If you’re a New Yorker staring at your ConEd bill wondering how it got this high — and how to bring it down — this guide is for you. Between energy assistance programs, discounted internet options, heating assistance funds, and free efficiency upgrades, there’s real money on the table. Here’s exactly how to get it.
ConEd’s Energy Affordability Program (EAP): Up to $173/Month Off Your Bill
The biggest opportunity for most NYC renters is Con Edison’s Energy Affordability Program (EAP), which provides monthly discounts on electricity and gas bills for qualifying low- and moderate-income customers.
As of early 2026, discounts can reach up to $173 per month for eligible customers, according to Con Edison. The discount amount varies based on your household income, size, and heating type.
Who qualifies?
Households with incomes below the Area Median Income (AMI) for New York City. This is broader than many people realize — it’s not limited to households in poverty. Working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and moderate-income households may all qualify.
How to apply:
Visit conEd.NYEEAP.com — a third-party vendor called Promise processes applications. You’ll need to provide proof of income for all household members from the past month: pay stubs, Social Security statements, pension records, or other income documentation.
You can also call Con Edison at 1-800-752-6633 to ask about the EAP and get help applying.
Enhanced Energy Affordability Program (EEAP): New in 2026
As of January 13, 2026, Con Edison launched an Enhanced Energy Affordability Program (EEAP) — an expansion that extends monthly bill discounts to utility customers below median income who didn’t qualify under the original EAP. According to Con Edison’s announcement, the company has provided over half a billion dollars in discounts to customers over the last two years combined.
If you applied for EAP before and were denied, it’s worth reapplying under the expanded EEAP criteria.
HEAP: Heating Assistance Before the Deadline
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program administered by NYC’s Human Resources Administration (HRA) that provides one-time cash assistance to help pay heating bills.
Critical deadline: The 2025–2026 Regular and Emergency HEAP benefit runs through April 7, 2026, or until funds are exhausted — whichever comes first. If you haven’t applied yet, apply immediately.
Who qualifies for HEAP in NYC?
- Low-income renters and homeowners
- Income limits vary by household size — check access.nyc.gov/programs/home-energy-assistance-program-heap for current thresholds
- You do NOT need to be on public assistance to qualify
How to apply:
- Online at ACCESS HRA
- By phone: 718-557-1399 to request a mailed application
- In person at an HRA Benefits Access Center
Coming next: Cooling Assistance. The 2025–2026 HEAP Cooling Assistance Benefit opens April 15, 2026 — helping low-income households pay for air conditioning units and electricity costs during summer. Mark your calendar.
NYSERDA EmPower+: Free Home Energy Upgrades
If you’re income-eligible, you may qualify for no-cost energy efficiency improvements worth up to $10,000 through NYSERDA’s EmPower+ program. This includes:
- LED lighting installation
- Weatherization (sealing air leaks, insulation)
- Energy-efficient appliance upgrades
- Heating and cooling system improvements
Con Edison refers eligible customers to this program directly. You can also apply at nyserda.ny.gov or call NYSERDA at 1-866-697-3732.
Discounted Internet: What Replaced the ACP
The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended in June 2024, but New York State stepped in with a permanent replacement: the Affordable Broadband Act.
Under this law, major internet providers are required to offer:
- Plans of at least 25 Mbps for $15/month or less, OR
- Plans of at least 200 Mbps for $20/month or less
For more information or to find qualifying providers in your area, call 311 or visit access.nyc.gov/programs/affordable-broadband-act.
The federal Lifeline program also continues to offer up to $9.25/month off your internet or phone bill. Major providers participating include Comcast/Xfinity, AT&T, and Spectrum. Combining Lifeline with a low-income plan can bring costs down significantly.
Provider-specific low-income programs:
- Xfinity Internet Essentials: $9.95/month for qualifying low-income households
- Spectrum Internet Assist: ~$17.99–$19.99/month
- AT&T Access: From $10/month for qualifying households
Quick Bill Audit Checklist
Before paying your next ConEd bill, run through this:
✅ Are you enrolled in EAP or EEAP? If not, apply at conEd.NYEEAP.com
✅ Did you apply for HEAP this season? Deadline is April 7 — do it today if you haven’t
✅ Is your internet bill over $20/month? Call 311 about the Affordable Broadband Act
✅ Have you had an energy audit? NYSERDA’s EmPower+ provides free upgrades — no cost to you
✅ Is your building properly weatherized? Drafty windows and poor insulation are your landlord’s responsibility under NYC’s housing maintenance code
Action Steps
- Apply for EAP/EEAP now: Visit Con Edison’s Energy Affordability Program
- Apply for HEAP before April 7 at ACCESS HRA or call 718-557-1399
- Mark April 15 for the HEAP Cooling Assistance opening
- Call 311 to find discounted internet options under the Affordable Broadband Act
- Contact NYSERDA at 1-866-697-3732 to schedule a free home energy assessment
You pay some of the highest utility costs in the country. These programs exist specifically to give NYC residents relief — don’t leave the money on the table.
