10/21/2026
Many New Yorkers will find it more expensive to heat their homes this winter. The cost of heating oil is up 67% and kerosene is up 50% compared to last year, increases that will materially affect New Yorkers’ winter energy costs.
Last week, members of DPS Staff and I joined Governor Hochul as she announced that the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) will begin accepting applications on November 2. This program can help save qualifying New York households hundreds of dollars a month on their utility bill. Last year the State issued $400 million in benefits to over 1.3 million households.
More than 1.1 million households enrolled in programs like SNAP, receive temporary assistance, or receive Code A supplemental security income will receive their benefit automatically, with no application needed. Other eligible households should apply at ny.gov/HEAP.
The benefit amounts vary based on income, household size, heating source, and if the household includes a vulnerable member (household member who is age 60 or older, under age 6, or permanently disabled). A family of four can earn an annual gross income of up to $82,230, and qualify for assistance.
Due to the acute price increases we are seeing this year, the State is offering increased benefits to qualifying households. Households heating with oil, kerosene or propane will now receive $990, up $90 from last year. Households heating with wood, pellets or coal will receive $700, up $65 from last year.
Read Governor Hochul’s press release here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-15-million-new-yorkers-can-receive-hundreds-dollars-help-cover-home
- Public Service Commission Chair Rory Christian
Pictured: Karen Palmieri (Director, Office of Consumer Services), Nick Forst (Director, Long Island Office) Maribel Rivera (Senior Manager, Office of Consumer Services).
