Help Paying Your ConEd Bill: EAP, HEAP, EnergyShare, and Payment Plans in One Guide
Updated July 3, 2026 · Independent guide by Meltek — not Con Edison
If ConEd bills have become unpayable, there are more programs than most people realize — a monthly discount program, federal heating grants, a charitable fund, formal payment agreements, and legal shutoff protections. They stack, and none of them require being behind on your bill to start.
The information is scattered across a half-dozen ConEd and government pages; this guide consolidates it.
Energy Affordability Program (EAP): the monthly discount
EAP applies an automatic discount to your monthly bill if your household receives a qualifying government benefit (such as HEAP, SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI). ConEd reported discounts of up to $173 per month for eligible customers, and the program was expanded in early 2026 to reach more households.
Enrollment is often automatic if you receive HEAP, and EAP participants are also placed on Budget Billing so payments stay level. If you think you qualify but see no discount line on your bill, apply directly — do not wait for auto-matching.
Grants: HEAP and EnergyShare
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) is the federal heating-season grant program administered by New York State — seasonal windows open in the fall and funds run out, so apply early each season.
EnergyShare is a charitable fund for customers facing hardship who may not qualify elsewhere: ConEd describes grants of up to $300 per season toward your bill, with eligibility rules on the help-paying page.
Behind on your bill: payment agreements and protections
ConEd offers deferred payment agreements — a formal plan that spreads arrears into manageable installments while keeping service on. Ask for one before a shutoff notice escalates; terms are negotiated based on your situation, and past state programs have even forgiven pandemic-era arrears for enrolled low-income customers.
New York also has protections that restrict shutoffs: cold-weather and hot-weather protections, and special protections for households with medical equipment, elderly, blind, or disabled members. If anyone in your home relies on life-support equipment, register that with ConEd — it changes how your account is handled during outages and collections.
Once the pressure is off: make the bill smaller
Assistance keeps you connected; pairing it with usage programs shrinks the bill itself. EAP households can also participate in Smart Usage Rewards — summer event payments stack on top of the monthly discount — and free or discounted weatherization and appliance programs specifically target income-eligible customers.
Frequently asked questions
- What discount does the ConEd Energy Affordability Program give?
- It depends on your household situation; ConEd has cited discounts up to $173 per month. Eligibility comes from receiving qualifying government benefits such as HEAP, SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI, and the program expanded in 2026.
- Can ConEd shut off my power in winter or during a heat wave?
- New York cold-weather protections and related rules restrict shutoffs, and additional protections cover medical, elderly, blind, and disabled households. Protections are strongest when you engage — call, request a payment agreement, and register any medical equipment.
- Does EnergyShare require being on other assistance programs?
- EnergyShare targets customers in hardship who may not qualify for other programs — ConEd describes grants up to $300 per season. Check the current eligibility rules on the help-paying page.
- Can I be on EAP and still earn from Smart Usage Rewards?
- Yes. Demand response participation stacks with assistance programs, and the summer event payments are yours on top of the monthly discount.
Official Con Edison pages for this topic
Meltek is an independent Con Edison Smart Usage Partner, not Con Edison. Program details, amounts, and deadlines are set by Con Edison and change over time — always confirm on the official pages above.
Turn peak hours into payouts
Meltek pays ConEd customers cash for reducing electricity use during summer demand response events. Free to join with your ConEd account — no devices required, leave anytime.
See if your home qualifies