New York reports 21,586 applications in two weeks. Here is how Mohawk Valley households can check for monthly utility discounts.
The Energy Affordability Program has drawn 21,586 household applications during a two-week New York enrollment drive, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Sept. 30. For Utica-area residents, the news comes with a useful next step: check whether your electric or natural gas account qualifies for monthly discounts, even if you do not receive public assistance.
The figures show applications, not a confirmed count of approvals or households already receiving new credits. The governor’s announcement does not provide a separate total for Utica or Oneida County. Still, the statewide effort points readers toward assistance they can pursue through their own utility.
What the new numbers show
The campaign began Sept. 15. According to the governor’s announcement, utilities reported 12,694 applications for the week ending Sept. 21 and another 8,892 for the week ending Sept. 28.
National Grid accounted for 7,098 applications across the utility areas included in the report. That figure is not an Oneida County count. Con Edison recorded 8,460 applications, while NYSEG reported 1,939.
“DPS is proud to help more eligible New Yorkers sign up for this monthly benefit to cut their utility bills,” Public Service Commission Chair Rory Christian said.
State agencies are promoting enrollment through online outreach and community events. The state says outreach will continue through the fall. Readers can start with the Department of Public Service’s program page, which lists participating utilities and application routes.
What is the Energy Affordability Program?
The Energy Affordability Program provides monthly discounts on eligible households’ electric and natural gas bills. The credits appear directly on utility bills.
The Department of Public Service describes a goal of keeping eligible households’ energy burden at or below 6 percent of income. That is a program target. It should not be read as a promise that every bill will be capped at a precise share of income.
There are two routes to check. The original EAP serves households receiving qualifying government benefits. The Enhanced Energy Affordability Program, or EEAP, allows households that do not qualify for EAP to seek discounts based on income.
That distinction matters for working families and retirees. Being outside a public assistance program does not, by itself, rule out the enhanced discount. Eligibility depends on household circumstances and the applicable utility rules.
Who should check eligibility?
Households receiving qualifying benefits
The state identifies several programs that can establish EAP eligibility. They include:
- Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
- Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income.
- Veterans Disability or Survivors Pension.
- Federal Public Housing Assistance and Lifeline telephone assistance.
- Certain Temporary Assistance and utility payment programs.
Some customers are enrolled automatically. Others must apply and provide proof. Do not assume that receiving SNAP or Medicaid means a credit has already been placed on your utility account. Check the bill or ask the utility to confirm.
Households applying based on income
The official EEAP application site’s FAQ lists these maximum annual income levels for National Grid Upstate New York and the other utilities in its statewide income column:
| Household size | Listed annual income limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $69,477 |
| 2 | $90,854 |
| 3 | $112,232 |
| 4 | $133,609 |
These figures were checked Oct. 1, 2026. Larger households have different limits. The application site defines a household as people living together as one economic unit who share energy costs. Review its current rules before applying.
Renters can apply for EEAP when someone in the household is named on the energy account. An account held by a landlord or leasing company does not meet that stated requirement.
How to apply in the Mohawk Valley
- Find your latest bill. Identify the utility, account number, account holder’s name and service address. Use the provider that actually serves your home.
- Check for an existing credit. National Grid says enrolled customers receive an enrollment letter and can look for an “Energy Affordability Credit” on their bill.
- Choose the correct route. If you receive qualifying benefits, use your utility’s EAP application. If you do not qualify for EAP but may meet income rules, follow the state’s link to EEAP.
- Gather supporting records. EAP applicants should have the relevant award letter or benefit documents. EEAP applicants should prepare current income records using the application site’s instructions.
- Save the confirmation. Keep your application reference number and check for requests for more documents.
- Watch later bills. Confirm that the discount appears after approval. Contact the utility if it does not arrive within the stated billing window.
National Grid’s Upstate contact information
National Grid’s Upstate EAP page provides an online form and a printable application. Its listed EAP contacts are:
- Phone: 1-866-305-1915, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Email: Affordability@nationalgrid.com.
- Fax: 315-460-7620.
- Mail: National Grid, Attn: Energy Affordability Program, 300 Erie Blvd. W. C-3, Syracuse, NY 13202.
Use the Upstate instructions for an Upstate account. National Grid’s downstate service areas have separate contact details.
Avoid paperwork delays
The EEAP administrator asks for income documents covering at least 28 consecutive days for each income source. Examples include four weekly pay stubs or two stubs for someone paid every two weeks. Its FAQ says tax returns, W-2s and 1099s do not substitute for the required current income documentation.
Applicants have 14 days after applying to supply required records. Missing that window can lead to denial, although the site says applicants may apply again once they have the documents.
The administrator also says approved EEAP discounts should appear within two billing cycles. If they do not, follow up with your utility. For phone-assisted EEAP applications or questions, the site lists 877-400-2501.
What assistance can—and cannot—tell you
Discounts vary by utility and service type. A statewide announcement about potential savings does not establish what any one Utica household will receive. Ask for the amount tied to your account before changing your budget.
The application surge is evidence of interest in assistance. It does not establish how much applicants ultimately saved, how many were approved or whether broader energy affordability problems have been resolved. Those results require follow-up data.
For readers, the immediate action is straightforward: review your bill, check the official eligibility rules and submit the required documents. Share the application information with a relative or neighbor who may need help getting started.
Reporting sources: New York Governor’s Office, Department of Public Service, National Grid Upstate and the state-linked EEAP application administrator. Eligibility and contact details checked Oct. 1, 2026.
