ORANGE AND ROCKLAND UTILITIES URGES LOW-INCOME CUSTOMERS TO ENROLL IN THE ENERGY AFFORDABILITY PROGRAM
Eligible Customers Can Receive a Credit of Up to $61 on Monthly Energy Bills
PEARL RIVER, NY August 30, 2023 – Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R) asks customers receiving qualifying government assistance benefits to make sure they are enrolled in the Energy Affordability Program (EAP). This program can provide a discount of up to $61 on monthly energy bills. Customers can visit oru.com/EAP or scan this QR code for more information.
The EAP provides discounts for qualified low-income customers to limit utility costs to 6 percent of average annual income. The discount is based on a statewide formula that is updated annually and adjusted if delivery costs change.
This program is just one of the steps that Orange & Rockland is taking to ensure that the move away from fossil fuels to a clean energy future does not disproportionately burden low-income customers.
Orange & Rockland continues to reach out to customers via emails, social media posts and other means to encourage enrollment.
Enrollment For EAP Is Easier Than Ever
Customers can Apply Online. Those receiving an eligible government benefit can self-certify that they qualify for this program. Orange & Rockland sends each enrolled customer a letter with details on the monthly discount.
Keeping Energy Affordable for Vulnerable Customers
Orange & Rockland helps customers identify ways to keep energy affordable. By visiting oru.com/nybillhelp customers can learn about financial assistance, the Home Energy Assistance Program and the Neighbor Fund.
The company also offers special protections and payment programs for seniors, those with special needs, customers experiencing medical emergencies or domestic violence.
Providing Convenient, Flexible Payment Options
Orange & Rockland offers a wide array of Payment Plans. Customers can find the terms that are right for them by logging into My Account to see options including:
- Budget Billing helps customers avoid seasonal price spikes by spreading energy payments out evenly across the year.
- Payment Extensions give customers up to 10 days of extra time to pay their bill.
- Payment Agreements allow customers who have fallen behind on their bills some of the most flexible payment terms available. Customers can make a down payment as low as 15 percent of their balance and some customers meeting certain income requirements may qualify for a $0 down payment. Customers having trouble meeting the terms of a current payment agreement can renegotiate it.
Last year, the New York State Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program provided almost 4,000 residential and over 100 small business Orange & Rockland customers with one-time bill credits automatically applied toward past-due balances for service through May 1, 2022. The total benefit to customers was over $6.9 million in relief.
About Orange & Rockland
Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R), a wholly owned subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc., one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies, is a regulated utility. O&R provides electric service to approximately 300,000 customers in southeastern New York State (where its franchise name is Orange & Rockland) and northern New Jersey (where it’s Rockland Electric Company) and natural gas service to approximately 130,000 customers in New York. For financial, operations and customer service information, visit oru.com. For energy efficiency information, visit oru.com/energyefficiency.
