More than 54,000 National Grid customers and 119,000 PSEG customers are behind on their utility bills due to corporate greed and the economic devastation wrought by the pandemic. And that situation has worsened due to the recent “bill surges”.

But on June 16, the State Public Service Commission adopted a $557 million program to provide COVID-19 utility bill relief for low-income electric and natural gas utility customers. Low-income residential customers enrolled in their utility’s energy affordability program will have any debts for service received through May 1, 2022, forgiven in full. To qualify, you must currently be enrolled in your utility’s monthly low-income bill discount program (EAP), or enroll by December 31, 2022.

We're working to make sure that every Long Islander who qualifies gets relief, because utility debt shouldn't exist.That's why we're holding a workshop at First Baptist Church of Riverhead at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 24. There will be activities for kids, free filing assistance, free postage to send in your application, and a workshop on the energy debt crisis. If you're planning to enroll, please bring your utility bill, Medicaid card or proof of benefits.