National Grid : Energy Assistance Options Remain Available for National Grid Customers as Federally Funded HEAP Program Extended

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - National Grid reminds customers that applications are still being accepted for the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and Emergency HEAP through April 26, 2019, while funds are available.

The program provides income-eligible families assistance in paying their energy bills and offers relief for households in a heating or heating-related energy emergency. HEAP is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and does not need to be paid back.

The level of funding varies depending on household income, household composition and heating fuel type in relation to income. Customers who receive HEAP funding also will be automatically enrolled in National Grid's Energy Affordability Program, which provides monthly bill credits.

Because HEAP funding is limited, customers who feel they may qualify should contact HEAP immediately:

• In Upstate New York, please visit the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website at http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/ to determine how to apply in your area or call your local county Department of Social Services. Customers age 60 and older who need information on applying can call their county Office for the Aging. More information can be found on the New York State OTDA website: www.mybenefits.ny.gov/.

• In Downstate New York, applications are accepted by HEAP personnel at National Grid Customer Service Centers from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Customers 60 and older and people receiving Supplemental Security Income can call 311 for information on how to apply. Questions about the HEAP program can be directed to the NYC HEAP Hotline at 800-692-0557 or 1-212-331-3126 for a list of locations where you can apply.

• On Long Island and in the Rockaways, call the HEAP information line:

Nassau County - [phone]

Suffolk County - [phone] (main) [phone] (for SNAP recipients)

The Rockaways - [phone]

Customers age 60 or older can also apply by mail. Applications are available by calling:

The Nassau County Family and Children Association Office for the Aging at [phone]

The Suffolk County Department for the Aging at [phone] or The Rockaways at 3-1-1

HEAP information is also available on the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance's website at http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/

There are several other programs available to National Grid customers to help manage energy costs:

• National Grid employs Consumer Advocates to assist low-income and special needs customers facing financial hardship. Advocates are available to provide early intervention, information on a variety of assistance programs, crisis bill pay management, outreach and education. Consumer Advocates also offer a variety of services to homebound customers and provide presentations to consumer groups and agencies on energy saving tips, health and safety issues, payment options and preparation for power outages.

• Billing Options - National Grid has billing programs to help customers spread payments out more evenly across the year, which are particularly helpful to those on fixed incomes. Visit nationalgridus.comfor more information on this and other payment programs.

• Visit National Grid's website for energy efficiency programs and saving tips, a list of qualified energy services companies, and much more.