Congressman Josh Riley (NY‑19) announced today the launch of a new website designed to help families in his district determine whether they qualify for a range of energy‑assistance programs. The tool, hosted at riley.house.gov/save‑on‑utilities/, provides a quick eligibility check for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), emergency HEAP, and other state‑funded initiatives that cover furnace repairs, weatherization and home‑energy upgrades.
Why the tool matters now
Winter is set to arrive in the upstate New York region, and many households in the 19th district face rising heating costs. By centralizing information about federal and state assistance, the website aims to reduce confusion and ensure that eligible families can apply before program deadlines open.
Programs covered
- HEAP – provides monthly heating assistance to low‑income households.
- Emergency HEAP – offers short‑term aid for families facing an unexpected loss of heating resources.
- Furnace repair assistance – helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing broken heating equipment.
- Weatherization grants – fund improvements that increase a home’s energy efficiency.
Each program has its own income and residency requirements, and the online checker walks users through a series of simple questions to identify which options may apply.
District coverage
The tool serves all counties that fall within NY‑19: Broome, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Rensselaer, Sullivan, Tompkins and Ulster. Residents of any of these counties can access the site at any time, from any device.
Congressman Riley’s statement
“Energy costs should not force families to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table,” Riley said. “This website puts vital resources directly into the hands of the people I represent, ensuring that help is just a few clicks away as the heating season begins.”
How to use the site
Visitors start by entering their zip code and basic household information. The system then cross‑references the input with program eligibility criteria and provides a list of applicable options, along with links to application portals and contact numbers for local agencies.
Local impact
Community leaders have praised the effort as a practical step toward energy security for vulnerable families. The upstate region has seen a rise in heating‑related hardships over the past few winters, and the tool is expected to streamline access to aid that previously required multiple phone calls and paperwork.
For more information, residents can visit the website directly or call the district office during normal business hours.
Original reporting: CNY Central WSTM (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
