Orange & Rockland Utilities Launches Energy Discount Program for Moderate-Income Homes

The two-year pilot program offers automatic bill credits to help residents manage rising energy costs.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:23pm

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A photorealistic studio shot featuring a stack of utility bills, a modern digital thermostat, and an energy-efficient light bulb, all arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background to symbolize the abstract concepts of household energy costs and sustainable home solutions.A minimalist still life highlighting the tools and costs associated with home energy management, as a new utility discount program aims to ease the financial burden on moderate-income households.NYC Today

Orange and Rockland Utilities, a major utility provider in New York, has announced the launch of a new state-approved program called the Enhanced Energy Affordability Program (EEAP). The two-year pilot aims to help moderate-income households that do not qualify for traditional government assistance better manage their electric and natural gas bills through automatic monthly discounts.

Why it matters

As energy prices continue to rise, this program targets a gap in existing assistance programs, providing support to residents whose incomes fall below the state median but who may not meet the strict eligibility requirements for programs like SNAP or HEAP. By offering these discounts, Orange & Rockland hopes to ease the financial burden on working families in its service area.

The details

The EEAP program was approved by the New York State Public Service Commission and began in early 2026. Eligibility is based on household income, focusing on residents who do not receive public assistance like Medicaid or Section 8 housing vouchers. The amount of the monthly bill credit will vary based on factors like household size, income level, and energy usage.

  • The EEAP program launched in early 2026.
  • The pilot program is scheduled to run for two years.

The players

Orange & Rockland Utilities

A major utility provider serving customers in New York.

New York State Public Service Commission

The state regulatory agency that approved the EEAP program.

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What’s next

Orange & Rockland plans to evaluate the success of the EEAP program at the end of the two-year pilot period and determine if it should be extended or expanded.

The takeaway

This new energy assistance program aims to fill a gap in existing aid, providing much-needed relief to moderate-income households struggling with rising utility costs. By making these discounts accessible to a wider range of residents, Orange & Rockland is demonstrating a commitment to supporting its local communities.