Help is Available: Energy Bill Credits Expanded to More NYSEG and RG&E Customers
Moderate-income customers encouraged to sign up for Enhanced Energy Affordability Program (EEAP)
HEAP and EAP still available for applicants
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — February 4, 2026 — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are encouraging moderate-income customers to apply for a new energy affordability program that can help lower bills this winter. The Enhanced Energy Affordability Program (EEAP) is designed to help moderate-income households reduce their energy burden by providing monthly bill discounts directly to their energy bills.
“Cold weather is here to stay and EEAP is another option to help reduce the impact of a customer’s bill,” said Christine Alexander, vice president of customer service for NYSEG and RG&E. “Innovative ideas like this help customers in the communities we serve. At the same time, we continue to encourage everyone to research options that are best for them to control their bills.”
This winter, customers are seeing higher electric bills due to several factors beyond the control of New York’s utility companies. Greater transparency is helping New Yorkers understand what is driving affordability concerns, including unregulated supply costs and state‑mandated programs and fees that together can make up more than half of a customer’s bill. These are costs unrelated to the poles, people, and wires that keep the lights on and homes warm.
Supply costs are passthrough charges, which means the utility is required to purchase energy on the market and deliver it to customers at the same price it was bought—without adding any markup or profit. Prices move up or down based on market conditions and a customer’s specific supply plan, not decisions made by the utility. Top energy producers have raised supply charges on NY customers by over 100% from 2020 to 2025 overtaking rate of inflation in NY of 21%.
EEAP, launched in January, is a two-year pilot program created by New York State that can help moderate-income NYSEG and RG&E customers reduce energy costs through discounts on their bill. Households are eligible for EEAP if they have an income below the state’s median income and do not qualify for the Companies’ Energy Affordability Program (EAP). The discounts received varies based on what type of energy you receive.
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and EAP are still available for eligible customers. While HEAP and EAP are designed for low-income customers enrolled in other assistance programs, EEAP is intended for moderate-income customers.
To learn more and apply for these assistance programs, customer are encouraged to visit Help With Your Bill | NYSEG - NYSEG or Help With Your Bill | RG&E - RGE. Customers can also apply directly for the program at www.nyeeap.com or by calling 877.400.2501. If approved, enrollment will be shared with the NYSEG and RG&E and a credit will appear within the next two billing cycles.
Media Contact:
Michael Baggerman