The Governor's Heat Smart NY Interagency Task Force
Rising energy costs may make this winter's heating bills much higher than in recent years. To prepare for this reality, Governor David A. Paterson called for the formation of an interagency taskforce, designed to bring together the agencies that provide the programs and services that families struggling to afford their home heating bills rely upon. By coordinating efforts, the agencies that make up the Governor's Heat Smart NY Interagency Task Force hope to simplify the process of finding assistance and unite resources under one direction and theme, Heat Smart NY.
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is responsible for supervising programs that provide assistance and support to eligible families and individuals. Visit OTDA's programs and services page for a full listing of offerings.
For other related information, visit OTDA's homepage.
Office for the Aging
The mission of the New York State Office for the Aging is to help older New Yorkers to be as independent as possible for as long as possible through advocacy, development and delivery of person-centered, consumer-oriented, and cost-effective policies, programs and services which support and empower the elderly and their families, in partnership with the network of public and private organizations which serve them.
For more information, view the Office for the Aging's Web site.
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers incentives to those looking to make their home more energy efficient and provides similar services to the commercial and industrial sector. NYSERDA also is taking applications for possible incentives for solar and wind installations.
Please see NYSERDA's Web site for more information on their programs and offerings.
New York State Public Service Commission
The Department of Public Service (PSC) has a broad mandate to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to reliable and low-cost utility services. For information on their consumer services, visit AskPSC.com or visit the PSC's full Web site.
PSC Helpline - 1-800-342-3377 (inquiries or complaints about gas, electric, water, steam, cable TV or telephone service or billing)
PSC Hotline - 1-800-342-3355 (gas or electric shutoffs)
PSC Consumer Information Line - 1-888-ASKPSC1 (1-888-275-7721)
New York State Consumer Protection Board
The New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) acts as the State's top consumer watchdog. For Utility complaints, CPB represents utility customers before the Public Service Commission.
To learn more about the services CPB offers, visit the Consumer Protection Board Web site. You can file a utility complaint with the Consumer Protection Board online or by calling 1-800-697-1220.
New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal
The Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) is responsible for the supervision, maintenance and development of affordable low- and moderate-income housing in New York State.
Visit DHCR's Web site to learn more about their Weatherization Assistance Program.
New York Power Authority
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) sells power to government agencies; to community-owned electric systems and rural electric cooperatives; to job-producing companies; to private utilities for resale—without profit—to their customers; and to neighboring states, under federal requirements.
NYPA commits $100 million a year to energy services and mantains a commitment to sustainability and the environment.
Long Island Power Authority
In May of 1998, the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) became Long Island’s primary electric service provider. Operating as a non-profit entity, LIPA has continued to serve the Island’s growing population with a consistent commitment to cost- containment, efficiency and service reliability.
For more information, visit LIPA's Web site.