As Temperatures Drop in Cortland County, Senator Webb, Assemblymember Kelles and PULP Help Utility Customers Apply For Energy Assistance

(CORTLAND, NY) On Thursday, January 18, Senator Lea Webb, Assemblymember Anna Kelles, The Public Utility Law Project (PULP), and other partners hosted a workshop at SUNY Cortland to help utility customers save money on their utility bills this winter by checking their eligibility for utility financial and energy efficiency assistance programs.

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 Kelles, PULP, and all of the participating organizations for working together to deliver some utility relief  this winter.” 

Said Assemblymember Anna Kelles, “New Yorkers’ budgets are stretched, and affording utility costs can be difficult for individuals and families, especially during winter months and especially in the face of the increased NYSEG rates. While we work to transition New York State to renewable energy infrastructure that will help reduce the cost burden on rate payers, we must also provide economic relief now for struggling households. Our in-district open house events will help residents identify and access existing local, state, and federal programs that they may be eligible for to reduce their utility bills. I am proud to co-host these events with Senator Lea Webb, the Public Utility Law Project, and county agencies who are all working together to help Tompkins and Cortland county residents.”

“PULP is grateful to Senator Webb and Assemblymember Kelles for their leadership in leading another impactful Utility Debt Assistance workshop in Cortland. PULP was there to help utility customers evaluate their bills and guide them through the application process for crucial financial aid and energy efficiency resources. Our ongoing partnership with NYSEG, Cortland County DSS, the Department of Public Service, Cortland County Office of the Aging, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and more, continues to be instrumental in equipping our community members for the challenges of the winter season,” stated Laurie Wheelock, Executive Director 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.

Senator Webb and Assemblymember Kelles will hold a similar event Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM / Snow Date Thursday, February 1 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center, 301 W. Court Street, Ithaca.