ESEA
On October 28, ESEA Executive Director Kris DeLair participated in the New York State Winter Fuels Outlook Meeting hosted by NYSERDA. Representatives from NOAA, NYISO, the New York State Department of Public Service, NYSDOT, and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) discussed winter weather forecasts, energy supply conditions, fuel markets, transportation, emergency preparedness, and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
Of particular concern heading into the heating season are distillate and kerosene inventories, which remain well below historical averages. NYSERDA reported that heating oil and kerosene prices are at historically high levels entering the winter, amid tight supplies and global market pressures. Natural gas and propane inventories remain within seasonal norms.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s winter outlook, Northeast households heating with oil are projected to see a 21% increase in heating expenditures, despite forecasts calling for a warmer winter than last year.
HEAP Update: OTDA provided an overview of the 2026–2027 Home Energy Assistance Program, which is funded entirely through federal appropriations. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released approximately $356.2 million in federal LIHEAP funding to New York on October 9. This initial release represents approximately 90% of annualized funding under the continuing resolution.
Regular HEAP benefits opened November 2, 2026, and are scheduled to remain available through April 16, 2027. Emergency benefits are scheduled to open January 4, 2027. Program dates may change depending on funding and demand.
For households heating with oil, kerosene, or propane, the regular HEAP base benefit increased from $900 to $990 for the 2026–2027 season. Depending on income and household composition, eligible households may receive up to $1,086 in regular benefits. The base benefit for wood, coal, and other fuels increased to $700, while the natural gas and electric base benefit remains $400.
OTDA indicated that regular benefit payments to vendors will begin following the program opening. Vendors may receive a Guarantee of Payment (LDSS-5000) when a household running low on fuel contacts its local social services district. Customer and benefit information will be available through the Statewide Financial System (SFS) Vendor Portal the Sunday before payment.
Given the current fuel price environment, ESEA continues to emphasize the importance of timely HEAP payments to participating vendors, particularly as higher wholesale costs place additional pressure on fuel marketers’ cash flow.
ESEA will continue working with state agencies and industry partners to monitor fuel availability, supply conditions, HEAP payments, and other developments that could impact our members and the customers they serve throughout the heating season.
View the 2026–2027 NYS Winter Fuels Outlook Meeting Presentations
