Friday, October 16, 2026
As energy bills continue to rise, Elmont residents gathered for a presentation by PSEG Long Island on saving energy last Sunday at Elmont Memorial Library. The program highlighted how residents can lower their energy costs through free assessments, income-based assistance and rebates offered by PSEG.
Henrik Eskelinen, an outreach specialist for the utility’s home comfort and home performance programs, discussed energy-saving tips and initiatives including the Residential Energy Affordability Partnership, or REAP, program and a heat pump rebate.
REAP, Eskelinen explained, offers eligible homeowners and renters a free, roughly two-hour home energy visit, efficiency materials, a $50 bill credit and a $35 marketplace voucher. Eligibility for the program depends on household income, household size and whether the customer has had a visit in the past five years.
Eskelinen also discussed free home energy assessments that are available to homeowners and renters of any income with a PSEG Long Island account in their name.
He detailed the rebate for a heat pump system, which moves heat instead of burning fuel, warming a home in winter and cooling it in the summer. He added that assessments may identify the need for more insulation, air-sealing, duct-sealing, and other improvements, though customers are not required to make them.
The rebates, Eskelinen said, may range as high as $7,500 for low-income customers, $5,000 for those in disadvantaged communities and moderate-income customers, and $4,000 for other customers. He also encouraged residents to use less electricity on weekdays between 3 and 7 p.m., when rates are highest. On weekends and holidays, rates are lower all day, with the lowest off-peak rates between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Residents can call (800) 263-6786 to find out more about these services and programs or to sign up for any of them.
Tonya Simmons, a consumer advocate at PSEG, discussed assistance programs such as Heat Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, Project Warmth and billing protection. She explained that HEAP eligibility depends on household income, household size. Renters may qualify for a small benefit that can unlock discounted electric rates. Simmons said that those who don’t qualify for the HEAP program may be assisted by Project Warmth.
She also detailed 211 Long Island, a non-emergency phone information and referral service that is similar to 311 in New York City. As well, she explained billing options; critical-care registration, which protects households using oxygen or other life-sustaining equipment; and medical holds, which provide temporary payment protections.
Diane Jones, a consumer advocate at National Grid, also talked about affordability programs, heating assistance, payment options, and customer protections for eligible households.
Jones said that National Grid’s Energy Affordability Program provides monthly discounts based on eligibility, household circumstances, and qualifying benefits, including HEAP, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI or public housing assistance. HEAP recipients may receive discounts automatically; other customers must apply and provide documentation. In addition to HEAP, enhanced assistance is available to moderate-income households.
Jones also discussed free energy assessments through New York State Energy Research and Development Authority programs that can identify efficiency improvements for eligible homeowners and renters in one- to four-family households.
Hawa Basett, Michaelle Solages’s chief of staff, said the assemblywoman and district residents identified energy affordability as a key issue.
“Energy affordability in New York state is a very important issue right now…,” Basett said. “For example, one of the things that we did on the state level was that we sent out energy rebate checks, and this is just kind of having that continued conversation of resources that we can provide to the residents.”
Chowdhury Mohammad Iqbal, an Elmont resident, expressed his gratitude for the presentation, saying he learned from it.
Milagros Vicnete, of North Valley Stream, said that information about the REAP program and its benefits was new and could help caregivers, seniors, families and those with special needs.
Vicnete said she found the presentation useful because rising oil and electricity costs are affecting her household and the families she supports. “I'm definitely gonna apply for that for them to come in and just give me an analysis of what I have,” she said. “So I think that will be a surprise to me.”
Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages organized the event in collaboration with her brother, Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages, both of whom represent districts that include Elmont. Assemblywoman Judy Griffin and County Legislator Cynthia Nuñez attended as well.
