Assembly Resolution No. 920

BY: M. of A. Beephan

RECOGNIZING February 2, 2026, as Energy Assistance
Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, The State of New York is committed to ensuring that all
residents are able to maintain safe, healthy, and affordable home energy
access, particularly during periods of extreme weather; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
recognize Monday, February 2, 2026, as Energy Assistance Day in the
State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Energy
Assistance Day; and

WHEREAS, National Energy Assistance Day (NEAD) is an opportunity to
raise awareness of the importance of energy assistance programs and to
encourage collaboration among federal, state, local, and community
partners working to address energy affordability; and

WHEREAS, National Energy Assistance Day serves to highlight the
critical role of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
and New York's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) in helping
vulnerable households maintain safe indoor temperatures during the
winter heating season; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 1.8 million households across New York State
relied on the Home Energy Assistance Program to meet their home energy
needs, including more than 1 million families in New York City alone;
and

WHEREAS, In total, New Yorkers received more than $400 million in
HEAP benefits, providing essential support to seniors, families with
children, individuals with disabilities, and other vulnerable
populations; and

WHEREAS, While more than 1 million households currently utilize the
State's Energy Affordability Program, State officials estimate that an
additional 1.5 million households are eligible for assistance but are
not yet enrolled, underscoring the need for continued outreach and
education efforts through local utility providers and community
organizations; and

WHEREAS, Rising energy costs continue to strain household budgets,
as the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association projects that
families who heat their homes with electricity will experience a 10.2
percent increase in heating costs during the 2025-2026 winter season,
bringing the average seasonal cost to more than $1,200; and

WHEREAS, These rising costs make energy assistance programs more
critical than ever to protect public health, prevent utility shutoffs,
and ensure that New Yorkers are not forced to choose between heating
their homes and meeting other basic needs; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize February 2, 2026, as National Energy Assistance Day in the
State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body commend the federal, state, and
local agencies, utilities, nonprofit organizations, and community
partners that work year-round to administer and promote energy
assistance programs; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body reaffirms its commitment to
protecting energy affordability, expanding awareness of available
assistance programs, and ensuring that all New Yorkers can maintain safe
and reliable access to home energy.