On May 20th, Senator Lea Webb and the Public Utility Law Project (PULP) hosted a Utility Cost Community Forum. This virtual conversation brought together residents, advocates, and experts to discuss the rising energy costs and their impact on households across our community. Senator Webb and PULP broke down what’s driving these increases, shared updates on state policies and available assistance programs, and talked about practical steps you can take to manage your energy bills. 

The Public Utility Law Project (PULP) is a not-for-profit organization that advocates for universal service, affordability, and customer protections for low-income consumers. Since its inception, PULP has served as a liaison between consumers and their utility companies. They assist with resolving common utility issues, such as obtaining fair service, preventing shutoffs, filing inquiries or complaints, finding energy-efficiency programs, and applying for assistance.

“The utility bills in New York State have become ridiculously high for everyday working people. It has been a priority of mine in Albany to address this issue by bringing about meaningful reforms to the Public Service Commission and utility corporations,” said Senator Lea Webb. “My office receives thousands of calls from constituents struggling with their utility bills. Utility companies should not be reporting millions in profit each year by charging ratepayers exorbitant electricity rates. While we work to address these issues in Albany, it is important to me that my constituents are empowered to understand their bills, know their rights as New Yorkers, and be able to advocate for themselves when their bills are unreasonably high.” 

“We thank Senator Lea Webb for organizing tonight’s Community Energy Forum. This event creates space to discuss the reality of rising utility costs on household budgets. Across New York, families are feeling the pressure of approved rate increases, fluctuating supply charges, and the general affordability crisis. PULP’s work empowers customers with the tools and knowledge they need to better understand what they are paying for and where to find help. We are grateful to have an opportunity to share that information directly with the Southern Tier and hear firsthand about the challenges residents are facing,” said Laurie Wheelock, Executive Director and Counsel of the Public Utility Law Project.

There are federal and state programs that assist residents with their utility bills. Programs are listed below. 

• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Emergency-HEAP (E-HEAP): Federal assistance programs aimed at financially supporting utility bills with one lump sum. Both programs are closed for 2026 but will open later this year for 2027. 
• NYS Energy Affordability Program (EAP) & Enhanced EAP.  Unlike HEAP, our state-run EAP program provides a monthly bill credit. New York State’s Energy Affordability Program has recently been expanded. Visit the EAP website to see if you qualify. 
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): WAP is the largest residential energy conservation program in the country. Assists income-eligible homeowners by reducing heating and cooling costs through energy-conservation measures, while also addressing health and safety issues in their homes. Aim to reduce the energy consumption while minimizing the impact of higher fuel costs on low-income families now and in the future 
• EmPower + Funding: State program that helps low- and moderate-income households save energy and money toward energy improvements made to their primary residence
• Regional Clean Energy Hubs: Empower+ partners with local organizations that can help you make your home more efficient and determine which energy incentives you may qualify for. 
• Broome & Tompkins: Cornell Cooperative Extension Smart Energy Choices Hotline: (607) 366-0833, smartenergychoices@cornell.edu, www.smartenergychoices.org  
• Cortland: EnergySmart CNY, (315) 313-5050, advisor@energysmartcny.org, EnergySmartCNY.org  

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