As Winter Arrives in the Southern Tier, Senator Webb, Assemblywoman Lupardo and PULP Help Utility Customers Apply For Energy Relief

BINGHAMTON, NY - On Thursday, November 16, Senator Lea Webb, Assemblymember Donna Lupardo, The Public Utility Law Project (PULP) and other partners hosted a workshop at the Broome County Public Library in Binghamton to help utility customers save money on their utility bills this winter by checking their eligibility for utility financial and energy efficiency assistance programs 

More than 40 local residents attended the workshop and were able to consult with trained advocates from PULP and other agencies to check their utility bill to see if they’re enrolled in their utility’s low-income monthly bill discount program, and assist with applying for HEAP and programs to improve home insulation and energy efficiency. 

Said Senator Lea Webb, “Many of my constituents struggle to stretch their paychecks to cover their utility bills. I am pleased that we were able to hold this workshop to ensure that families are taking advantage of the programs that can help them save money. Thank you to Assemblymember Lupardo, PULP, and all of the participating organizations for working together to deliver some utility relief  this winter.” 

Said Assemblymember Donna Lupardo, “The Utility Relief Open House, recently held at the Broome County Library, provided direct assistance to those who attended. Unfortunately, many are unaware of HEAP, EAP, and other utility assistance programs they may be eligible for. Events like this and ongoing outreach are needed to make sure that everyone is well informed. Thank you to Senator Webb and to PULP for helping to organize this much needed event.”

“PULP thanks Assemblymember Lupardo and Senator Webb for organizing this successful Utility Debt Relief event in Binghamton. PULP was on hand to help utility customers read their NYSEG bills and apply for financial assistance and energy efficiency support. Our collaboration with many other stakeholders, including NYSEG, Broome County DSS, Department of Public Service, Broome County Office of the Aging, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and 211, was vital in preparing residents for the colder winter months," said Alicia Corp-Landis, Supervisor of Direct Services and Counsel at PULP.

Local low-income customers that are behind or falling behind on utility bills can contact PULP for no-cost help. Call PULP’s hotline at 877-669-2572 or send an email to info@utilityproject.org for further assistance.

The workshop was organized by offices of Senator Lea Webb and Assemblymember Donna Lupardo and Public Utility Law Project of New York (“PULP”) with support from the Broome County Department of Social Services, Broome County Office for the Aging, the Binghamton Tenants Union, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County, NYSEG, the Public Service Commission, the United Way, and the American Civic Association. To ensure inclusivity and accessibility, Spanish and Haitian-Creole translation services were provided during the workshop.  

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