Central New Yorkers behind on their utility bills are running out of time to apply for relief. More than a half billion dollars in credits are available, but residents need to enroll in their utility's energy affordability program by month's end.
Assemblymember Pam Hunter, a Democrat representing suburban communities in the Syracuse area, and advocacy groups are holding a workshop Thursday evening to help people sign up and possibly get their debt wiped.
Deputy Director of the Alliance for a Green Economy Avni Pravin said there's been a massive uptick in energy debt since the pandemic.
"It's also important that we look at the numbers of people who were in debt before the pandemic, because I think it does paint a pretty good picture overall of how unaffordable energy is to so many households in New York," Pravin said.
More than 1.3 million New Yorkers are behind on their utility bills and owe $1.5 billion collectively. Thursday's workshop will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Beauchamp Branch Library on South Salina Street. Residents should bring their utility bill, identification and a benefits award letter like HEAP or SNAP.