ALBANY, N.Y. - Gov. David A. Paterson launched a new statewide, multi-agency public information education campaign called HeatSmartNY, to provide New Yorkers facing high home heating costs with the tools and assistance they need to get through this winter. Eight New York State agencies and authorities have collaborated to address this issue and bring relief to New York’s most at-risk residents.

The new campaign includes a Website (www.HeatSmartNY.org), a hotline number (877-NY-SMART), public service announcements, and a series of 630 statewide workshops to provide consumers with tips on how to lower their home heating bills, as well as information about New York’s heating-related assistance programs.

“While we remain focused on reducing spending to address the economic downturn, we must at the same time be mindful that for many New York families, this is going to be an especially harsh and difficult winter,” said Paterson. “New Yorkers should not be endangered by falling temperatures and rising heating costs. That is why I have directed these agencies to implement collaborative and coordinated outreach and ensure that New Yorkers have as much information as possible about heating-related programs and ways to reduce home heating costs.”

Additionally, Paterson announced the award of $3.5 million in federal grants to low-income New Yorkers for the installation of energy efficiency measures in 1,205 homes. The grants, awarded by the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), will enable weatherization agencies across New York to address unmet energy efficiency needs in their communities. A complete list of awards can be found at www.nysdhcr.gov.

Publication date: 11/24/2008