POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – December 1, 2025 – Applications are now being accepted for the federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, effective December 1.

HEAP’s benefits help income-qualified utility customers who heat their homes with electricity, natural gas, oil, coal, propane, wood/wood pellets, kerosene, and corn. Eligibility and benefits are based on income, household size, the primary heating source, and the presence of a household member who is under age 6, age 60 or older or permanently disabled. For this year's benefits, households of four who heat their home with natural gas with a maximum annual income of $80,160 are eligible for a $400 grant.

“Enrolling in HEAP is one of the most important steps customers can take to ensure they stay safe and comfortable during the winter months. These benefits provide critical assistance for managing energy costs, and we encourage all eligible households to apply as soon as possible,” Lauren Preston, Chief Customer Services Officer at Central Hudson said. “Affordability is top of mind for our customers, and we’re committed to helping them access the resources they need to keep their homes warm and their energy bills manageable.”

Customers who are eligible for HEAP and other qualifying programs are also eligible for Central Hudson’s Energy Affordability Program (EAP) Bill Discount . If your account receives a HEAP credit, you will automatically be enrolled in the EAP Bill Discount.

Residents may apply online by visiting http://www.mybenefits.ny.gov/, or through their local Department of Social and other community service organizations. Your local district HEAP contact offices listed by county can be found here. 

For more information on HEAP eligibility requirements and benefits, visit www.CentralHudson.com/HEAP or http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/program.asp; and for more on Central Hudson's assistance and billing programs, visit www.CentralHudson.com, and click on "My Account."

ABOUT CENTRAL HUDSON

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., is an energy delivery company headquartered in Poughkeepsie, New York. The utility serves approximately 315,000 electric and 90,000 natural gas customers in eight counties of New York State’s Mid-Hudson River Valley, delivering natural gas and electricity in a 2,600-square-mile service territory that extends north from the suburbs of metropolitan New York City to the Capital District around Albany. Central Hudson supports local community service and business organizations, and offers value-added products and services, including energy efficiency and economic development programs. For more information, visit www.CentralHudson.com. Join the conversation on Facebook, keep up with our adventures on Instagram, learn about our achievements on LinkedIn, and follow us on X.

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