Orange & Rockland Expands Energy Affordability Program, 388 Customers Enrolled
Orange & Rockland says 388 customers had received bill discounts after the company expanded Energy Affordability Program eligibility to households under the New York state median income.
The expansion of the Energy Affordability Program is something O&R has long supported. Now, we are proud to provide energy bill assistance to so many more customers throughout our service area," O&R vice president of Customer Service Janette Espino said as the company announced the change at its Pearl River headquarters on Feb. 26, 2026. O&R reported that 388 existing customers had taken advantage of discounts through the expanded program as of Feb. 23, 2026.
The company said the expansion broadens income eligibility within its Energy Affordability Program, allowing households with incomes below the New York state median to apply for electric and gas bill discounts even if they are not enrolled in qualifying government assistance programs. O&R’s website describes two enrollment pathways - a Government Assistance Enrollment Pathway for customers on benefits and an Income Eligibility Enrollment Pathway for households meeting the state median income threshold; customers applying under the income pathway must not already be enrolled in the existing EAP.
The wider state context traces to the Enhanced Energy Affordability Program, launched statewide in mid-January 2026 as a two-year pilot. Sullivan County Legislature chair Nadia Rajsz described EEAP as "a two-year pilot program meant to serve households who don’t qualify for EAP, and it potentially offers some much-needed relief to people and families who wouldn’t otherwise be eligible for government benefits." Rajsz added that "All you need to qualify for EEAP is have an active residential electric or gas account with a participating utility, and be under the household income limits."
National-level materials and local officials said credits are typically applied within two billing cycles after approval and may continue for up to 18 months for an approved household. National Today gave a sample threshold, noting a family of six with household income up to $176,364 may qualify under EEAP rules; full income guidelines are available on the EEAP program website. Assemblyman Aron Wieder’s office urged constituents to explore the program, noting that "high utility bills have become a major concern for many households throughout New York State."
Discount amounts vary by utility, program tier, household size, and whether the utility provides heating service. NYSEG, Orange & Rockland, and Central Hudson are listed as participating utilities; customers can check enrollment and bill adjustments through O&R’s My Account, the company’s Financial Assistance Programs page, or by calling O&R customer service at 1-877-434-4100. NYSEG and Central Hudson contact numbers are 1-800-600-2275 and 845-452-2700 respectively.
O&R’s announcement does not include a published household income schedule or specific dollar credit tables for each tier, and company communications do not explicitly clarify whether the Pearl River rollout implements state EEAP rules or represents an O&R-specific expansion. Customers seeking exact income limits, expected credit amounts, or application documentation should review O&R’s Financial Assistance Programs materials or contact the company directly.
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