Senator Flanagan Supports LIPA Efforts To Help Seniors

John J. Flanagan

September 1, 2009

Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) is joining with the Long Island Power Authority to help Long Island reduce their utility costs through a new program the organization is offering.   

     LIPA’s first “Income-Eligible Senior Energy Assistance Program” is a $10 million effort that LIPA recently unveiled that will provide income-eligible seniors, who meet program requirements, with a one-time credit to their LIPA electric accounts of $200.  Bill credits will be made to qualifying seniors on a first-come/first-served basis, based on the availability of program funds.

     “As I continue to reform LIPA, cut-costs and re-examine our expenditures to help stabilize rates, I am pleased to offer some assistance to limited-income seniors, to help ease their burden,” said LIPA President and CEO Kevin S. Law. “Since taking over as the head of LIPA, the number one concern I have received in the form of a letter, phone call or email is from senior citizens on fixed income asking for some rate relief and thus, I am happy we can help our seniors out with this program.”

     “This is a program that will have a significant impact on our seniors by providing real help. LIPA’s senior credit will make it easier for those on a fixed income to live and enable them to use their money on other essential items. During these tough economic times, that will make a difference and I applaud LIPA for their efforts,” said Senator John Flanagan.

     Seniors who wish to participate in the Income-Eligible Senior Energy Assistance Program must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be 62 years of age or older
  • Must be a LIPA electric account holder
  • Must meet the income-eligible guidelines shown below 

HOUSEHOLD       MONTHLY INCOME LIMIT    YEARLY INCOME LIMIT

           1                                   $1,963                                    $22,556

           2                                   $2,567                                    $30,804

           3                                   $3,172                                    $38,064

           4                                   $3,776                                    $45,312

           5                                   $4,380                                    $52,560

           6                                   $4,984                                    $59,808

           7                                   $5,097                                    $61,164

           8                                   $5,210                                    $62,520

     The Income-Eligible Senior Energy Assistance Program is funded from a rate mitigation package of funds realized largely through a settlement of disputed payments under a previous Management Services Agreement (MSA) with KeySpan and through savings obtained under the renegotiated MSA with National Grid after its announced merger with KeySpan.

     Seniors, meeting these requirements, may apply in person at any LIPA Customer Service Center or by mail. Program information, including the location of LIPA’s Customer Service Centers and applications, can be found on LIPA’s Web site at http://www.lipower.org/seniors or by calling LIPA at 1-800-490-0025.

     To assist customers of all ages lower their energy costs, LIPA is also offering Long Island residents a useful energy efficiency Internet guide.  The guide includes information on how to lower your heating and cooling costs, information on energy efficient appliances and other useful energy tips.

     To assist customers of all ages lower their energy costs, LIPA is also offering Long Island residents a useful energy efficiency Internet guide.  The guide includes information on how to lower your heating and cooling costs, information on energy efficient appliances and other useful energy tips.

     Please click here to access this and other information.