Energy Affordability Program (EAP)

How the program works

Once a qualifying benefit is received, a monthly credit will be applied to your Central Hudson account for 18 consecutive months, provided the account remains open and active for the entire 18-month period. The amount of your monthly bill credit is based on your Central Hudson service type and the amount of your HEAP benefit. If your account receives a HEAP benefit, you will automatically be enrolled in Central Hudson's Energy Affordability Program (EAP). Customers who self-enroll in Central Hudson's EAP, rather than qualifying through a HEAP benefit, will receive the Tier 1 monthly credit.

Monthly credits are typically applied during the first week of each month.

Qualifying benefits

1. Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) - regular or emergency
2. Lifeline Telephone Service Program (Lifeline)
3. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) award letter (copy of your SNAP card is not accepted)
4. Medicaid award letter (copy of your Medicaid card is not accepted)
5. Veterans Disability or Survivors Pension (see https://www.va.gov/disability/ or https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/survivor-compensation/survivors-pension/)
6. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
7. Federal Public Housing Assistance
8. Utility Guarantee / Direct Vendor programs
9. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
10. Safety Net Assistance.

PLEASE NOTE: Social Security Retirement Income and Social Security Disability are not qualifying benefits for this program.

Requirements to self-enroll

• The customer or a member of the customer’s household must provide documentation of proof of enrollment in one of the above qualifying benefits. 
• Documentation must be in the customer’s name or the name of a member of the customer’s household and include the customer’s address. Documentation must include an issue date within the last 18 months or a future expiration date that aligns with the benefit period.  Alternate fuel customers with HEAP can also provide a HEAP approval letter, mybenefits.com page or a statement from a fuel supplier showing a HEAP payment.

How to Apply

Click here to apply online.

If submitting a downloaded copy of the application, documentation can be emailed to CareUnit@cenhud.com, faxed to 845-486-5676 or mailed to 284 South Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.

Benefit amounts

Customers may receive more than one bill credit based on the types of service they receive, such as electric and/or natural gas service.

Customers who use an alternative fuel, such as oil, propane, or wood, as their primary heating source are eligible for a Tier 1 EAP credit.

Please note that credit amounts are subject to change at any time during the enrollment period.

Budget Billing

The account will automatically be enrolled in Budget Billing. Customers may opt out through our email contact form, by speaking with a Customer Service Representative, by fax at 845-486-5676, or by mail at 284 South Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.

Special Protections During a Hot or Cold Weather Emergency

Central Hudson will refrain from scheduling residential service terminations on days when the local weather forecast predicts extremely hot or cold temperatures. Click here for more information about these protections and related safety tips.