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Orange & Rockland Expands Energy Affordability Program, Bringing Financial Relief to More Customers

  • Orange & Rockland Media Relations

  • Pearl River – February 25, 2026 -- 12:00 PM

Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R) has expanded income-eligibility discounts on gas and electric bills to more customers throughout its service territory through the company’s Energy Affordability Program (EAP).


The expansion of the program increases eligibility beyond the pre-existing EAP, which provides discounts to households receiving certain government assistance programs. Previously, customers had to be enrolled in government assistance programs to qualify for assistance. Under the expanded EAP, households with incomes under the state median income and not enrolled in government assistance programs can now also qualify for assistance.


As of February 23, 388 existing O&R customers have taken advantage of the discounts through the expanded EAP.

 

“The expansion of the Energy Affordability Program is something O&R has long supported. Now, we are proud to provide energy bill assistance to so many more customers throughout our service area,” said Janette Espino, O&R vice president of Customer Service. “As the cost of living continues to rise, this is an opportunity to help more of our vulnerable customers, who may not qualify for government assistance, but could use financial relief.”

 

Discount eligibility varies by household size and income. Eligible customers for the expanded program must not be currently enrolled in the existing EAP. Customers who qualify based on income must apply directly for program benefits. The company encourages customers to visit O&R’s Financial Assistance Programs site to check eligibility and how to enroll.

 

The following table outlines O&R expanded EAP eligibility based on state median income and can be found online.

 

Household Size

TIER 5 (<60% SMI)

TIER 6 (≥60 TO <80% SMI)

TIER 7 (≥80 TO <100% SMI)

1

Up to $41,685

$41,686 – $55,580

$55,581 – $69,475

2

Up to $54,512

$54,513 – $72,682

$72,683 – $90,853

3

Up to $67,338

$67,339 – $89,784

$89,785 – $112,230

4

Up to $80,165

$80,166 – $106,887

$106,888 – $133,609

5

Up to $92,991

$92,992 – $123,989

$123,990 – $154,986

6

Up to $105,817

$105,818 – $141,091

$141,092 – $176,364

7

Up to $108,222

$108,223 – $144,298

$144,299 – $180,372

8

Up to $110,627

$110,628 – $147,504

$147,505 – $184,380

 

Those who qualify based on income must apply directly for program benefits. O&R partner, Promise, will complete the customer’s income verification process.

O&R is committed to working with customers to manage their energy bills, offering flexible payment plans and payment extensions. In 2025, O&R provided over $23 million in energy bill assistance to about 20,400 customers through EAP.

 

Beware of Scammers 

O&R urges customers to beware of scammers and the methods they use to steal money and personal information. Customers should be particularly vigilant about impostors who knock on their door and try to talk their way inside. Once inside, these criminals have stolen money and property. In the worst instances, they have committed assaults.


Our employees wear a photo ID with their name and employee number. An employee will gladly give you a supervisor’s name and the unique “ticket” number assigned to your job. If you still have doubts, call 1-833-460-7059 to verify the person’s identity.


Scammers who call customers by phone may instruct the customer to buy a prepaid card to pay a bill or face immediate termination of service. The scammers then steal the money from the card. O&R doesn’t solicit payments through prepaid gift cards, or cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. Hang up if you’re asked to make a payment via these methods. If you need to make a payment, you can do so safely at oru.com. 

 

About O&R

Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc., one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies. O&R is a regulated utility that provides electric service to approximately 300,000 customers in southeastern New York State (where its franchise name is Orange and Rockland Utilities) and northern New Jersey (where it’s Rockland Electric Company), and natural gas service to approximately 140,000 customers in New York.