New York lawmakers at the state and federal level over the last several weeks have touted the millions of dollars in available assistance for people who are struggling to heat their homes this winter.

Highlighting the availability of the money is not necessarily new. But the urgency public officials have surrounding the push to get people the funds comes as a surge in energy costs is expected in the coming months.

The effort to publicize the money also comes as financial markets are on edge; the cost of living has skyrocketed for gas, groceries, housing and other consumer goods; and amid growing concerns of an economic downturn.

On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand touted $1 billion in emergency supplemental Low Income Energy Assistance Program funds for low-income New Yorkers who may face mounting utility bills. National Grid has signaled bills could spike by as much as 40% amid global upheaval and uncertainty.

For New York, that means about $60 million in aid.

“LIHEAP provides a lifeline for thousands of low-income families in Monroe County,” Gillibrand said. “As winter approaches and the cost of groceries and other essentials remains high, many simply cannot afford to pay exorbitant heating bills."

The aid was announced alongside officials from Niagara Falls and the Rochester Housing Authority, who worry their residents will face the brunt of the higher bills.

“The Rochester Housing Authority is proud to serve more than 27,000 residents and program participants in the five-county Greater Rochester area,” said Rochester Housing Authority Executive Director Shawn Burr. “As we head into the Rochester winter, we are keenly aware of rising heating and energy costs. Energy affordability is a particular hardship for our more than 7,000 residents and participants who either reside in our Public Housing units or participate in our Housing Choice Voucher program, and who would qualify for the Home Energy Assistance Program."

At the state level, too, lawmakers have sought to shore up home heating.

Democratic Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara last week urged Gov. Kathy Hochul to approve a measure meant to ensure people who use propane to heat their homes are able to receive emergency supplies of fuel. He also called for a moratorium on home heating bill increases from state regulators.

Advocacy organizations are also getting involved. AARP New York urged state regulators last month to reject utility rate increases, worried the hikes would fall disproportionately on older New Yorkers.

“These rate increases will result in New York residents paying some of the highest utility rates in the country,” said AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel. “The utilities companies need to go back to the drawing board; these proposed rate hikes are unacceptable."