BINGHAMTON, NY — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are hosting Community Connection events across the region ahead of the winter heating season. The events are designed to connect customers with energy usage and bill relief assistance programs.

One such event will be held at the Liberty Town Hall, 120 North Main St., Liberty. It will take place on Tuesday, October 13, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Customers have the opportunity to connect with customer service representatives one-on-one to ask questions, get help understanding their bills and get tools to better manage energy use. Customer advocates can help determine whether customers qualify for the Energy Assistance Program (EAP), which offers an additional monthly bill credit, or the Enhanced Affordability Program (EEAP). Representatives can help with other financial assistance, including budget billing and payment plans. Customers can also learn about energy efficiency programs and tools such as Energy Manager, which allows customers to take control of their energy usage.

“We know that energy affordability is a real concern for families, and we want customers to know that help is available,” said NYSEG and RG&E Vice President of Customer Service Christine Alexander. “Support can only make a difference when customers know it exists and understand how to access it. These programs help customers manage their monthly energy bills, and we want to make sure every eligible customer has the opportunity to benefit from them.”

For more

A full schedule of events follows:

• Tuesday, Sept. 29, 4 – 7 pm - Lewis St YMCA, 53 Lewis St., Rochester, NY
• Wednesday, Sept. 30, 4-7 pm - Broome County Public Library, 185 Court St., Binghamton, NY
• Thursday, Oct. 1, 10 am – 12 pm - Putnam County Golf Course, 187 Hill St., Mahopac, NY
• Tuesday, Oct. 6, 10 am – 12 pm - Jefferson Village Community Center, 3500 Hill Blvd., Yorktown Heights, NY
• Thursday, Oct. 8, 4 – 7 pm - 6500 W. Gannett Hill Rd., Naples, NY
• Tuesday, Oct. 13, 10 am – 12 pm - Patterson Recreation Center, 65 Front St., Patterson, NY
• Tuesday, Oct. 13, 4 – 7 pm - Liberty Town Hall, 120 North Main St., Liberty, NY
• Wednesday, Oct. 21, 1 – 3 pm - Austerlitz Town Hall, 816 Route 203, Spencertown, NY
• Thursday, Oct. 22, 4 – 7 pm - Henrietta Town Hall, 475 Calkins Rd., Henrietta, NY
• Wednesday, Nov. 4, 4 – 7 pm - Plattsburgh Town Hall, 151 Banker Rd., Plattsburgh, NY

The Companies remain committed to the communities they serve, providing assistance to all who need it. NYSEG and RG&E will schedule more in-person events and encourage customers in need of assistance to call customer service at RG&E: 800.743.2110, NYSEG: 800.572.1111. Customers can also explore tools and programs available at Help With Your Bill | RG&E - RGE or Help With Your Bill | NYSEG - NYSEG.

HEAP enrollment opens on November 1. Customers are encouraged to apply for HEAP assistance. Funds are available until exhausted. For more information on how to apply for HEAP, including the necessary income qualifications, customers are urged to visit the New York State OTDA website.