Energy
Programs to assist elders in meeting their heating and home repair needs are available in many forms. With seniors living in their homes longer and housing stock aging, energy efficiency becomes important.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
This program provides cash to help pay heating bills for low-income individuals and families. It is administered by local social services departments for people under age 60 and by local offices for the aging for people age 60 and over. You can begin applying for a HEAP grant in November each year. HEAP provides grants on a first come, first serve basis until the funds provided for each heating season run out. Apply early. For more information, contact your local office for the aging.
Utility Rights
Residential customers of natural gas, electric and steam utility companies are protected by New York's Utility Consumers Bill of Rights. Protections cover billing, deposits, termination of service and special cold weather safeguards. Ask your utilities for your Bill of Rights.
Weatherization Referral and Packaging Program (WRAP)
WRAP reduces energy costs for the low-income elderly by improving the energy efficiency and comfort of their homes while ensuring their health and safety.
It enables low-income seniors to permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more efficient. Many weatherization providers promote the concept of "whole house weatherization." They tackle the house as a single energy-consuming system instead of as a loose collection of unrelated systems. Using this approach, providers can find the best combination of measures for reducing total energy consumption in low-income housing.
Other Assistance with Utility Emergencies
The American Red Cross operates assistance programs with various electric and gas utilities around the state. These programs help persons over 60 years of age with utility emergencies. They also assist disabled persons and those with certain medical conditions.
This Red Cross assistance may be used for many heating emergencies, such as a threatened shutoff because of an overdue bill or a broken down furnace. Red Cross heating or utility help is generally given to an individual only once a year.
To learn whether there is a Red Cross utility program in your county, contact the nearest Red Cross office. Phone numbers and addresses of Red Cross offices can be found under the American Red Cross in your telephone directory.
Public Service Commission
Elders can also obtain information about becoming "energy smart" and relying less on fossil fuels by visiting the New York State Public Service Commission
at: http://www.dps.state.ny.us/
Energy Conservation
If your income level prevents you from obtaining the benefits of the programs described earlier in this section (for example, HEAP and WRAP), there are many simple and inexpensive ways to reduce energy costs in your home. Visit your local hardware store or home improvement center for ideas.