Working together—to keep you warm
With the colder temperatures of fall and winter soon on the horizon, it’s time for families to think about heating their homes.
Unfortunately, we know that the cost to do so will be significantly higher than last year. While natural gas remains one of the most affordable energy options available, the resource’s increased cost will have an impact on individuals and families already struggling to make ends meet.
National Fuel understands this. And while we can’t control the cost of a global commodity, we’re committed to helping our customers through these challenging conditions. Through a variety of company- and New York State-aided programs and billing options, eligible households can receive much-needed relief for their monthly energy costs.
From bill forgiveness and payment plans, to rebates and helpful energy efficiency tips, National Fuel and Fueling Tomorrow Today are providing resources for those in need—and by working together with our communities, we will continue to serve the region’s vital energy needs.
2022-23 Winter Heating Forecast
Why are energy costs on the rise? Learn more about the causes.
Available assistance programs
To combat rising energy costs, various cost-saving programs have been established or maintained for eligible households throughout our service areas.
- Budget Plan – Lowers bills during winter by spreading out heating bill balances over 12 months. Learn more here.
- Bill Relief Program – Provides bill forgiveness for income-eligible customers struggling with payment and currently enrolled in National Fuel’s Statewide Low-Income Program (SLIP). Learn more here.
- Statewide Low-Income Program (NYS Energy Affordability Program) – Provides monthly bill discounts on gas delivery charges and is based on the amount of current Home Energy Affordability Program (HEAP) grant received. Learn more here.
- Home Energy Affordability Program (HEAP) – This federal grant program helps income-eligible Upstate New York residents (at below the state’s median income level) pay their energy bills. Learn more here.
- Emergency HEAP – Part of HEAP, but for qualified households who’ve recently received a shutoff notice. Learn more here.
- Conservation Incentive Program (CIP) – Provides rebates for installing high-efficiency appliances in your home. Learn more here.
- Sealed – In partnership with National Fuel, covers the upfront costs for upgrades that improve home energy efficiency through weatherization, climate control and more. Learn more here.
- Neighbor for Neighbor – Available on a first-come, first-served basis and provides qualified low-income Western New Yorkers with help paying their heating bills, prevention disconnection of service and more. Learn more here.
Helpful tips to lower energy usage
Along with helpful relief from available programs, reducing usage leads to immediate savings and there are plenty of cost- and energy-saving measures that you and your family can take throughout the coming months.
- Lower the thermostat – Reduce your heat to a level that saves energy, but still provides adequate warmth to everyone at home.
- Maintain heating equipment – Use a qualified heating contractor to be sure your furnace is working safely and efficiently.
- Change your filter – A clean furnace filter leads to greater efficiency—and a warmer home.
- Keep the dampers closed – Keeping this fireplace feature closed (when not in use) will keep the cold air out when you’re not warming by the flames.
- Apply insulation kits to storm windows – These treatments are affordable, effective and keep the cold air out—while keeping the heat in your home.
- Seal windows and doors – Make sure proper caulking and other sealants are applied to these cold air entry points.
- Check the drip – Make sure all hot water faucets are closed tight and not needlessly dripping.