HEAT PROGRAMS FOR OWNERS AND RENTERS

It started to get cold so let's just discuss options right now for heating costs:

HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HEAP)

This program provides a once-a-year benefit to low income homeowners and renters to help pay for fuel or utility costs. Persons age 60 and over, and disabled and SSI recipients of all ages, can apply by mail. For information on income eligibility levels and application procedure, contact:

Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs
HEAP Program
60 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard
Uniondale, NY 11553-3653
227-7386

WEATHERIZATION REFERRAL AND PACKAGING PROGRAM (WRAP)

Low income eligible seniors are assisted in obtaining weatherization services through local providers. These services include, but are not limited to, boiler repair, replacement of storm windows and doors, caulking and weatherstripping, etc. An individual plan is developed to include the identification of needs and resources and, thereafter, to provide the coordination of services needed. For information, call:

Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs -- 227-7386.

RESIDENTIAL ENERGY AFFORDABILITY PARTNERSHIP (REAP)

REAP is a program for Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) customers that can help limited income households better control their energy use and thus save money on electric bills. If eligible, a REAP team will visit the home and provide information on practical ways to reduce energy costs. In addition, they may install certain energy saving devices at no cost to the homeowner. Contact

Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs WRAP Program -- 227-7386

LIPA -- 1-800-263-6786 www.lipower.org/cei/reap.html

PROJECT WARMTH

Project Warmth is a community-based partnership that provides financial assistance to enable eligible families to pay their heating bills. This program is administered by Long Island’s United Way. One-time grants are awarded from October 1 to March 31. Contact

Project Warmth – Information Line 1-631-940-3757

Also, from the Nassau County Health Department:

"Heating Regulations
Who is responsible for the heat in my dwelling?

The Nassau County Health Department does not regulate owner occupied dwellings like owner occupied single-family homes, condominiums, and co-op apartments (problems need to be addressed with the building managers, owners boards, or through legal counsel). For rental dwellings, heat and utilities in single-family homes are generally the responsibility of the occupants. In multi-unit buildings, unless other agreements have been reached, the owner/landlord is generally responsible for the heat. In all cases where there is a shared or common service that is not metered or billed separately for each dwelling unit, the owner/landlord is responsible for providing these utilities. The owner/landlord is also responsible for assuring that the delivery systems for heat and hot water are functioning properly in all cases.

Does the Health Department regulate heat in offices, commercial, or industrial areas?

No, Nassau County Health Department only regulates heat for rental residential dwellings. Complaints concerning the workplace should be directed to the New York State Labor Department at (516) 334-3344

When is it required for heat to be provided?

In Nassau County, the Nassau County Public Health Ordinance requires that heat be provided from October 1st through May 31st the following year, any time the outside temperature drops below 55 F. The required minimum temperature is 65 F between 10PM and 6 AM (overnight) and 68 F between 6AM and 10PM (during the day).

Does the Nassau County Health Department regulate all areas of Nassau County for heat?

No. Several incorporated villages, and the two cities (Glen Cove and Long Beach) have regulations that are more restrictive and enforce their own heating regulations. The Villages who regulate heating requirements themselves are: Cedarhurst, Freeport, Great Neck Plaza, Great Neck, Hempstead, Lynbrook, and Rockville Centre. If you live in any of these villages or cities, call the municipal offices to find out about the heating regulations that apply to your home and the phone numbers to call to report any problem.

Is more information available?

For more information, please contact your local municipality:

City of Glen Cove / (516) 676-2000
City of Long Beach / (516) 431-1000
Nassau County Village Officials Association / (516) 437-1455

If Nassau County residents have additional questions or concerns regarding heat in their dwelling, they can call the NC Department of Health - Community Sanitation Program (516-227-9715)."