Below is a list of assistance programs and support services that may be able to help in no-heat situations. Many of these services require documents from other agencies for you to qualify. If you need help navigating these options, please contact your local Community Energy Advisor.
Resources for when heating systems are not working
OTDA Temporary Assistance (through DSS)
In the past, there was no-heat assistance through HEAP’s Heating Equipment Replace and Repair (HERR) program. HERR funding is not available for the 2025-2026 season. The Temporary Assistance program through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) may provide some funding to help low-income homeowners with non-functional heating systems. You can inquire by contacting your local Department of Social Services (DSS). A DSS representative can walk you through the application process.
No-Heat Empower+
The New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) has limited funding available through the Empower+ program to help repair or replace non-functional heating systems. EmPower+ may only be used as a last-resort option, meaning income-eligible homeowners in no-heat emergencies must exhaust all other public assistance options (such as Temporary Assistance) to obtain a functioning heating system.
No heat incentives are available to low-income households. Incentives are not available for rental units unless the building is owner-occupied and the building owner is income eligible.
Resources for electricity or gas shut-off situations
Department of Public Service (DPS)
If you receive notice or are threatened with a residential electric or natural gas shutoff, the first step is to call your utility company to try to resolve it. For example, you can ask for information about the shut-off or request a hold or deferred payment agreement.
If you are unable to get satisfactory help through your utility, the Department of Public Service has staff to assist you by investigating your complaint. Contact the NYS Department of Public Service (DPS) Hotline at 800-342-3355 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
For complaints and inquiries on utility services or billing, call the DPS Helpline at 800-342-3377. For more information, visit www.dps.ny.gov or email web.questions@dps.ny.gov. View the full DPS brochure[pdf].
Project Share
The Project SHARE Heating Fund is designed to help income-eligible NYSEG customers with active disconnect notices in its service areas. The fund is administered by HeartShare Human Services of New York. To receive a Project SHARE Heating Fund grant, you must:
Have an active NYSEG or RG&E account
Have an active disconnect notice
Exhausted all other assistance programs, such as HEAP, Emergency HEAP and local or county emergency aid
Visit NYSEG’s website for more information.
NYSEG Customer Advocate
A NYSEG Customer Advocate provides contact, counsel, and advocacy for residential customers facing special hardships and having difficulty paying their NYSEG bill.
If a customer is elderly (62 and over), blind, or disabled (any age) they may request the help of a Customer Advocate. If someone is on life-sustaining equipment, they should call a Customer Advocate in advance of an emergency and let the Customer Advocate know this so that, in the event of an electric outage, the Customer Advocate can assist with utility restoration as quickly as possible.
Request a Customer Advocate by calling the general customer helpline number: 1-800-572-1111.
Public Utility Law Project
Utility consumers often need an advocate in their corner and sometimes even legal representation to ensure fair and affordable access to service. That’s where New York’s Utility Law Project can help. They tackle common problems like getting service, preventing shutoffs, filing complaints, finding energy efficiency programs, and applying for assistance with utility bills.
The Public Utility Law Project of New York, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit organization, has been advocating for universal service, affordability, and customer protection for New York State utility consumers since 1981. Call 877-669-2572 or email info@utilityproject.org for more information.
Catholic Charities
For Tompkins/Tioga County residents:
Catholic Charities Tompkins/Tioga offers Emergency Financial Assistance. They can help pay your utilities if you qualify. You need to schedule an appointment with Catholic Charities to discuss your eligibility. If you have been denied by the Department of Social Services or the utility company for emergency assistance, bring in your shut-off notice to your first appointment. Call (607) 272-5062 for Tompkins County or (607) 414-1023 for Tioga County.
For residents outside Tompkins/Tioga counties:
You can locate your local Catholic Charities by visiting https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/about-us/find-a-local-agency/. Assistance offerings vary between agencies, so we recommend calling ahead to see what is available.
United Way/2-1-1
United Way, 2-1-1, can help guide you to these resources or other services that may help with no-heat concerns.
They may also be able to tell you about assistance their organizations can offer. All Southern Tier counties can dial 2-1-1 to reach the local assistance directory. If you live outside those counties, you can locate your local United Way office by visiting United Way’s website.
Robin Fund (Tompkins County ONLY)
The Robin Fund assists people faced with a financial crisis. A grant or loan from the Robin Fund can be made quickly and without a lot of red tape. Contact Carl Feuer at carlfeuer@gmail.com or 607-272-3622 to apply.
Local Loans
Your local financial institution may also be able to help in no-heat emergencies with personal loans. Ask your local bank or credit union about opportunities near you.