NYC Winter Utility Help 2026–27: Con Ed and National Grid Discounts, Shutoff Rules and HEAP
Behind on a Con Edison or National Grid bill as the weather turns cold? New York City has more ways to cut that bill than most people realize. One of the biggest is a newer income-based discount that reaches households earning close to the area median. On top of that, state law gives you strong shutoff protections from November 1 to April 15.
This guide covers who to call, what each program is worth, and the key dates for the 2026–27 heating season.
First: Know Who Sends Each Bill
Con Edison supplies electricity in nearly all of New York City (the Rockaways are served by PSEG Long Island). It also supplies gas in Manhattan, the Bronx and parts of Queens.
National Grid supplies gas in Brooklyn, Staten Island and most of Queens.
Heat included in rent? If your landlord is responsible for heat, the rules on heat complaints are different. See our NYC heat season guide linked below.
Con Edison: Two Discount Programs
Energy Affordability Program (EAP)
Con Ed's original EAP gives a monthly bill credit to customers who receive certain government benefits.
Automatic enrollment: Con Ed signs you up when an agency reports that you receive HEAP, TANF, Safety Net Assistance or a utility guarantee.
You must apply yourself if you receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, federal public housing assistance, Lifeline phone service, or a veterans disability or survivors pension.
What it's worth (rates effective February 1, 2026): monthly credits run from $33.47 to $126.21 for electric heat customers and $135.24 to $189.83 for gas heat customers, depending on your tier.
How to apply: online at conEd.com/EAP, by email at EAP@conEd.com, by fax to 1-212-844-0110, at a walk-in center, or by mail to Con Edison EAP, P.O. Box 138, Cooper Station, New York, NY 10276-0138. Include your award letter.
Enhanced Energy Affordability Program (EEAP): the one most people miss
If you don't get benefits, you may still qualify through EEAP. It covers Con Ed households in New York City and Westchester earning below 100% of area median income. The income tiers are:
Tier 5 (under 60% AMI): up to $68,040 for one person or $97,200 for four. Discounts match EAP Tier 1: $33.47 a month on electric and $135.24 on gas heat.
Tier 6 (60% to 80% AMI): up to $90,720 for one person or $129,600 for four. The gas heat discount is $44.50 a month.
Tier 7 (80% to 100% AMI): up to $113,400 for one person or $162,000 for four. This tier gets a small $1 credit.
How to apply: go to conEd.NYEEAP.com and upload one month of income proof for everyone in your household. Need help, or don't have internet? Call 1-877-400-2501. Once you're approved, the discount lasts 18 months, and then you reapply.
National Grid (Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island)
National Grid's EAP is a monthly gas credit. It runs from $77.27 to $138.67 for gas heating customers, using rates effective December 1, 2025.
Automatic: you're enrolled when a HEAP grant posts to your National Grid account.
Self-enroll: if you get SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, Lifeline, TANF, Safety Net, federal public housing assistance, Child Health Plus or a veterans pension, apply at ngrid.com/eapapp or email EAPNY@nationalgrid.com.
Questions: call 1-718-403-2216, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Good news for 2026: National Grid says no customer will be removed from EAP before November 30, 2026. Anyone dropped on or after October 1, 2025, is being re-enrolled automatically.
National Grid customers who don't get benefits can apply for EEAP at nyeeap.com. The phone help line is the same: 1-877-400-2501.
HEAP 2026–27: Key Dates
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) does two things. It pays money directly to your utility, and it unlocks the deepest EAP discount tiers.
Regular HEAP: As of October 2, 2026, NYC's ACCESS NYC page said 2026–27 applications weren't open yet. County HEAP offices list an anticipated statewide opening of November 2, 2026. In NYC, you apply through ACCESS HRA.
Income limit (2026–27): up to $3,563 a month gross for one person or $6,852 for four.
Emergency HEAP: helps households facing a shutoff or a heating emergency after they've used their regular benefit. It's tentatively set to open January 4, 2027. Apply through your local HEAP office.
Heating Equipment Repair and Clean & Tune: both opened October 1, 2026, for income-eligible homeowners. Call 718-557-1399.
Already Have a Shutoff Notice? Try a One Shot Deal
HRA's Emergency Assistance, often called a One Shot Deal, can pay utility arrears when your gas or electricity has been shut off or you've received a shutoff notice. Apply on ACCESS HRA (choose Cash Assistance, then One Shot Deal) or at an HRA Benefits Access Center. You'll need an interview. Some grants must be paid back, and HRA will tell you if yours does. For help, call the HRA Infoline at 718-557-1399, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Your Shutoff Rights Under HEFPA
New York's Home Energy Fair Practices Act (HEFPA) gives every residential gas, electric and steam customer these protections:
Notice first. The utility must send a final termination notice and then wait 15 days.
Limited shutoff hours. Service can be cut only from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Holiday protection. No shutoffs on public holidays, the day before a holiday, or during the two-week period that includes Christmas and New Year's Day.
Cold weather rules (November 1 to April 15). Before cutting heat-related service, the utility must try to reach an adult in your home at least three days ahead and again on the day of the shutoff. If losing heat could seriously harm someone's health or safety, the utility must notify Social Services and keep your service on for another 15 business days.
Medical emergencies. A doctor's certification keeps service on for 30 days, and it can be renewed.
Fair payment plans. You can propose a deferred payment agreement you can actually afford. The utility must accept fair terms, though it can refuse to take less than $10 a month toward what you owe.
Seniors, blind or disabled. If everyone in the home is 62 or older, blind or disabled, tell your utility so it can flag your account for extra protections.
If you're facing a shutoff, call the Public Service Commission's Emergency Hotline at 1-800-342-3355 (7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on business days). For other complaints, call the Helpline at 1-800-342-3377.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Program amounts and dates change, so confirm with each agency before relying on them.
Frequently Asked Questions
I earn too much for HEAP. Can I still get a Con Ed discount?
Possibly. EEAP is based on income and goes up to 100% of area median income: $113,400 for one person or $162,000 for four. The biggest discounts go to households under 60% of AMI.
Can Con Ed shut me off over Christmas?
Not during the two-week period that includes Christmas and New Year's Day, under HEFPA. Shutoffs also aren't allowed on public holidays or the day before one.
Does a One Shot Deal have to be paid back?
Sometimes. HRA decides case by case and tells you if repayment is required.
I'm on SNAP. Am I enrolled in EAP automatically?
No. SNAP households need to apply directly to Con Ed or National Grid with proof that they're on SNAP.
Related Guides
Need help asking your landlord or utility for more time? Our $9 Behind on Rent Action Kit has fill-in letters and checklists. Free help is always available at 211.
Comments