Related Articles

• 
  Winter Utility Bills Assistance Programs

  Click HERE to learn more about the Winter Utility Bills Assistance Programs.

• NYS Dept of Public Service Info

  Click here to learn more about  NYS Dept of Public Service Information.

• 
  O&R: Rising Winter Energy Prices Push Utility Bills Higher

  Please click HERE to read more about O&R: Rising Winter Energy Prices Push Utility Bills Higher.

• Orange County Executive Neuhaus Unveils Early Childhood Connections to Guide Families Through Early Childhood Services

  County Executive Neuhaus is pleased to announce the launch of Early Childhood Connections, a free service designed to help families, caregivers, and providers navigate the wide range of early childhood resources available throughout the County.

  This initiative was developed through the work of the Orange County Infant and Early Childhood Coalition, in collaboration with the Orange County Health Department, Orange County Department of Mental Health, and the Orange County Youth Bureau. Early Childhood Connections ensure that families with young children can more easily access the services and support they need.

  “When families have concerns about their child’s development, they deserve clear answers and compassionate support,” said Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus. “Early Childhood Connections provides a trusted place to turn, one that helps families understand their options and connect to services that support and strengthen children and families across Orange County.”

  The phone line provides individualized guidance, resource navigation, and personalized support to families seeking assistance with developmental, behavioral, early learning, or family-support needs. Early Childhood Connections is not a crisis line; rather, it is a navigation and resource support service that helps families understand what services exist, how to access them, and how to connect with the right providers.

  Families, caregivers, and early childhood professionals can call 845-615-3613 or email [email protected] to receive:

  • Assistance navigating early childhood programs and community resources
  • Support in understanding available developmental, behavioral, and family services
  • Help connecting to screenings, early intervention, and early learning supports
  • Guidance on next steps when concerns arise about a child’s development
  • Information for providers seeking resources for the families they serve

  Early Childhood Connections was created to ensure that no family feels alone or overwhelmed when trying to access services for their young children. By offering warm, knowledgeable, and personalized support, the program strengthens the network of care for Orange County’s youngest residents.

  “The Orange County Youth Bureau has over 48 years of expertise in promoting Positive Youth Development. Part of that experience includes providing Resource and Referral assistance for children, youth, and families,” shared Orange County Youth Bureau Executive Director Rachel Wilson. “We are especially excited to be a part of this new initiative to better assist families with young children access the information and services they need while providing extra support throughout the process.”

  For a brochure with additional information about Resources for Children Ages 0-5 and Families/Caregivers please visit https://www.orangecountygov.com/DocumentCenter/View/31409/Family-Infant-and-Early-Childhood-Brochure?bidId=.

  For general media inquiries, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to the County Executive and Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845-291-2700 or [email protected].

  Stay connected with County Executive Neuhaus and Orange County Government on social media: 

  • Facebook: @OrangeCountyNYGovt | @Steve.Neuhaus 
  • Instagram: @OrangeCountyNYGovt | @Steve.Neuhaus 
  • X (formerly Twitter): @OCGovNY | @SNeuhausOC 

  Be sure to also check out the Blueprint Orange video series, a behind-the-scenes look at the projects, places, and people that make our County a great place to live. And don’t miss the newest episode of NeuCast, featuring Fidanza Family Properties, now streaming OrangeCountyGov.com on the County Executive page.

• O&R To Resume Credit and Collection Activity Including Termination of Service for Unpaid Bills

  O&R To Resume Credit and Collection Activity Including Termination of Service for Unpaid Bills

  After a pause to allow for the development of the New York Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program, Orange and Rockland (O&R) will resume credit and collection activity today (June 27) for residential customers that are not currently enrolled in a low income energy bill payment assistance program.  The credit and collections activity may include the termination of service for past due arrears.  The best way for customers to avoid termination of service is to contact O&R at 1-877-434-4100 and make a payment arrangement.

  As a reminder, customers that are not currently enrolled in one of the low income energy bill payment assistance programs and believe they may qualify, can learn more through our website at Payment Plans and Assistance | Orange & Rockland or by contacting us at 1-877-434-4100.

  Please contact your local Regional and Community Affairs Manager if you need assistance.

• 
  O&R: Heating Prices Rise as the Winter Approaches; Planning Remains the Key to Saving Money, Energy

  PEARL RIVER, NY Nov. 1, 2021 4:30 p.m. --- Orange & Rockland (O&R) is urging its 130,000 natural gas and its 226,450 electric customers to use energy efficiently this winter with bills projected to be higher than last winter.

  The increase is due mainly to higher natural gas supply costs for both natural gas and electric customers as natural gas is one of the main fuels that power the production of electricity.

  O&R does not set supply costs and does not make a profit on the supply. The company analyzes supply and demand forecasts and uses a variety of buying methods, including short-term and long-term contracts, to get the best natural gas prices for its customers. O&R provides the commodity to customers at cost.

  The cost of natural gas has increased as the demand for the commodity has increased, exports have increased, and severe weather has hindered production in the Gulf of Mexico area. These and other factors have caused a decline in the amount of gas in storage in the United States.

  Based on comparing the forecasted winter 2021-2022 to the prior three-year average of bills, the following would be the increase:

  A residential customer using on average 600 kWh per winter month will see an average monthly bill increase from $122.97 to $144.20, or 17.3% as compared to the average of the prior three winters. 

  A residential customer using on average 177 Ccf per winter month will see an average monthly bill increase from $232.52 to $273.92, or 17.8% as compared to the average of the prior three winters.

  The key to controlling home energy costs is managing usage. That becomes more important with costs rising.

  To help O&R’s natural gas and electric customers further manage their winter energy costs, O&R offers the following

   

  O&R Advises

  To make natural gas work harder for you, it makes sense to have a qualified heating contractor or plumber clean and inspect your heating system before winter sets in. An efficiently burning heating system not only makes your natural gas dollars go farther, but it’s cleaner and safer.   

  Taking steps to tighten up insulation by using weather-stripping at all attic stairwells and access points and stopping cold air infiltration from electric switch and plug outlets by using draft blockers can also pay off.

  In addition, double-checking all points where heat enters a room to make sure, draperies, furniture or other obstacles do not interfere with the free flow of heat is a practical, easy way to help.

  And, you can take advantage of your smart meter by viewing your detailed energy usage and customized energy savings tips located in your online account at www.oru.com to more effectively manage your household energy dollars.

  Those tips, and other energy conservation and efficiency steps, gain greater importance if extreme cold weather, or other supply factors develop over the winter.

  What can residential customers do to further control their energy costs? 

  • Shop for alternate energy suppliers which may or may not provide you with a cheaper price on energy purchases. For more information about energy shopping, go to www.oru.com and the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) website at www.newyorkpowertochoose.com.

  • In addition, to better manage the monthly utility bill to avoid unpredictable bills that result from seasonal usage variations, sign up for O&R’s Budget Billing program. Budget Billing does not reduce your overall energy expense. It simply lets you spread out your annual energy expense over a 12-month period (with updates every six months) and lets you know ahead of time what your monthly payment will be. That makes managing the household budget much easier.

  • And for convenient shopping for energy-saving household products, it’s hard to beat the My ORU Store www.myorustore.com. It’s a digital marketplace that offers O&R’s residential customers a wide variety of energy-saving household products including LED lights, water/energy saving devices, advanced power strips, smart thermostats and connected home products.  The My ORU Store makes saving energy and money, both easy and affordable.

  • For additional information about other energy efficiency and free winter energy saving tips, visit O&R’s website at www.oru.com/save.

  O&R reminds the public that anyone who smells natural gas should leave the area immediately and call 911 or O&R’s emergency gas hotline at 1-800-533-LEAK (5325).

  Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc., one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies. O&R is a regulated utility that provides electric service to approximately 300,000 customers in southeastern New York State (where its franchise name is Orange & Rockland) and northern New Jersey (where it’s Rockland Electric Company), and natural gas service to approximately 130,000 customers in New York.