Assists with the knowledge of the Home Energy Fair Practices Act (“HEFPA”), utility consumer Bill of Rights. Also protects tenants who rents in multiple unit dwellings by landlords enforcing sub-metered services, help tenants who’s rent include electric, gas, or water services that are at risk of shut off if landlord do not pay their utility bills. Refer and helps low-income customers stay connected through discounts on telephone bills through Lifeline services. Provide information and advocates for low-income electric and gas rates. Provides New York State's low-income utility consumers with information, assistance, and advice about residential utility matters, as well as legal representation in electric, natural gas, telephone, and other utility related matters. May be able to help: - Negotiate affordable deferred payment agreements for past due bills - Assist with enrollment in utility low-income discount programs - Obtain electric, gas, telephone, water, or telecommunication service - Restore service after a shut off / termination - Prevent service terminations (shut offs) due to non-payment and when a shut off would be life-threatening due to health concerns - File complaints against utility companies and Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) with the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) - Investigate high bills that may be due to factors such as shared meter concerns - Direct households to apply for utility related financial assistance such as the Home Energy Assistance Program and Emergency Energy Assistance Also publishes a utility law manual as a guide for advocates on utility and energy law issues, and conducts training on the rights of utility consumers and preventing utility terminations. Does NOT offer financial assistance of any kind.