Temperatures dropped, but your bank account doesn't need to. Here are some ways to save on heat.

An arctic chill has overtaken Long Island in the wake of a winter storm that dropped a foot of snow last Sunday.

The harsh weather has hit at a time when energy costs are skyrocketing. The average monthly energy bill in New York jumped 46.7% between 2022 and 2025, according to a study by the Century Foundation, hitting $311.18 in June.

This week, the bitter cold on Long Island has led to a 30% increase in calls seeking help from Project Warmth, a financial safety net for families struggling to pay for heat, said Craig Fligstein, chief grant officer at United Way of Long Island.

One out of three households on Long Island struggle to make ends meet, including covering their heating costs during the winter, he said.

This year, that winter bill will likely be around $1,000, an $84 increase from the year before, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, with families that rely on electricity and natural gas seeing the largest jump. Prices will likely remain about the same for households that use fuels like heating oil and propane.

Here’s a few ways Long Islanders can stay warm during the freeze.

Conserve energy

Conserving energy overall will help lower utility bills, experts said.

Families looking to save money can lower the thermostat between five and seven degrees at night or while they’re out. Each degree the thermostat is set back saves about 3% in expenses, said Michael Voltz, director of energy efficiency and renewables at PSEG.

People can also wear warm clothes inside the house, said Jose Avila, clean energy program coordinator at United Way Long Island.

Opening the curtains during the day will let sunlight in to help warm the house, he added, and closing them at night can help keep heat inside. Similarly, covering the edges around windows and doors can improve insulation.

Voltz also highlighted PSEG time-of-day rates, which applies to most customers. The utility charges less for electricity after 7 p.m. and before 3 p.m. on weekdays.

Families can save money by doing discretionary tasks, like running laundry machines or the dishwasher, outside those hours, he said.

Switching to LED light bulbs is another way to bring energy costs down, Avila said.

AARP also advises watching water temperature, which can suck up a lot of energy, keeping fireplace dampers closed when not in use, and running ceiling fans clockwise to spread warm air.

Families should consider a home energy audit to maximize efficiency. PSEG offers free assessments that involve an expert evaluating insulation levels, heating systems and lighting, among other things, Voltz said.

Switching to heat pumps is another way to lower bills long-term, Avila said.

People struggling to cover their heating bills should contact their utility companies to ask about resources or programs that can help, said Brandon Vogel, a spokesman for AARP New York. Local nonprofits and religious groups also often offer help.

Local assistance programs

• On Long Island, United Way offers Project Warmth, a program that will cover up to $700 in energy expenses for local families, providing checks directly to vendors, Fligstein said. The program is funded by charitable donations, with $1 million in funding that can support 2,000 families this winter. The assistance is one time per winter, although Fligstein said United Way sometimes re-evaluates on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must fall below 60% the area median income and new clients must have been rejected by the state Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as HEAP.
• National Grid administers a program called Hope & Warmth through HeartShare Human Services. The initiative provides up to $500 for heat and $200 for hot water or cooking to customers who fall between 60% and 100% of the area median income, said National Grid spokeswoman Wendy Frigeria.
• The Energy Affordability Program offers monthly bill discounts to families who qualify for HEAP. Credits for Long Islanders might range from $3 up to $116.14, Frigeria said, pointing customers to ngrid.com/eap for more information.
• The Enhanced Energy Affordability Program offers a $3 credit to customers between 60% and 80% the area median income, and a $1 credit to families between 80% and 100% the area median income. Those who make less than 60% the area median income but don’t qualify for HEAP can apply for a $63.76 credit, Frigeria said. Interested customers can learn more at ngrid.com/ny-eeap.
• The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority administers a residential weatherization program called EmPower+ for customers below 80% the area median income, offering a free energy assessment and funding toward improving energy efficiency.

By Brianne Ledda

brianne.ledda@newsday.com@brianne_ledda

Brianne Ledda covers personal finance and affordability for Newsday. She previously covered Southold and Greenport for The Suffolk Times and is a graduate of Stony Brook University.