Thousands of electricity and gas customers are behind in their payments to utility providers like Con Ed and National Grid — far more than there ever was prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to PULP, the Public Utility Law Project, 1.3 million households were 60 days behind on their energy bills in January to the tune of $1.7 billion — a historic high. 

“One in five New Yorkers are 60 days or more behind on their utility bills,” explained Richard Berkley, executive director of the Public Utility Law Project. “We need to get those people out from under those arrears.”

PULP has joined with AARP to urge the state to pay off the unpaid utility bills for these households. According to Berkley, the groups are urging lawmakers to take 9% of the funding the state received from the federal government via the American Rescue Plan to help consumers with their utility bills. 

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Berkley urges lawmakers to be supportive of the request.

“Low-income households, fixed income households — if they’re able to divert some money away from paying utility bills, they’re not going to put it into Swiss bank accounts. They’re not going to be hidden in numbered accounts in the Caribbean,” Berkley said. “They’re going to be keeping our local businesses open.”  

If you’re having trouble paying your electric or gas bill, you can visit this website or the PULP website.

Another idea? Call your utility provider and ask for help with a payment plan.