PSEG Shares Tips On How To Stay Warm, Save Money On LI

UNIONDALE, NY — As the thermometer begins to fall, utility bills could rise this winter as Long Islanders keep their homes warm.

"While PSEG Long Island is not a provider of natural gas or heating oil, we want all of our customers to be able to keep their homes warm this winter,” said Lou DeBrino, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Customer Operations. “To help customers manage their electricity expenses, we offer resources, tips and a variety of energy efficiency programs."

Anyone struggling to pay their electric bill, should call PSEG Long Island at 1-800-490-0025. A deferred payment plan can be developed.

Additionally, the state offers financial assistance by way of the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Emergency HEAP.

For low-income households facing no-heat situations, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is also accepting applications for its heating equipment repair or replacement benefit.

Customers who apply for and receive one of these state or federal benefits are automatically placed on PSEG Long Island’s Household Assistance Program, which provides a discount of $40 or more off their electric bill each month.

PSEG has some money-saving tips.

• Seal windows and doorframes with weather stripping or caulk, and remove or cover window air conditioners to help prevent drafts that waste energy and money.

• Ceiling fans can be used to save energy in winter. Setting a fan to rotate clockwise on low pulls cool air toward the ceiling, pushing warm air down into a room.

• Lower your thermostat by just one degree to potentially reduce your heating bill. Lowering it two degrees during the day and five to 10 degrees at night will save even more.