New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) today announced funding available for business customers through the companies’ COVID-19 Economic Relief Program. Eligible businesses with costs related to COVID-19 after March 15, 2020 can apply for up to $50,000 in grant assistance. The assistance is designed to retain businesses and jobs during these difficult times by promoting the economic recovery of New York businesses that incurred costs due to the pandemic.
“NYSEG and RG&E are committed to putting customers first and caring for the communities we serve,” said Joe Rizzo, manager of economic development for NYSEG and RG&E. “As part of that commitment, we’re proud to launch this important program to assist in the economic recovery across the state. Private sector businesses are the backbone to creating strong and sustainable communities, and this effort by NYSEG and RG&E will help support job creation and retention.”
Large business customers can apply for up to $50,000 of assistance and small business customers can apply for up to $15,000 of assistance. Applicants must meet specific billing criteria available on the websites: lookupstateny.com/covidrelief/NYSEG and lookupstateny.com/covidrelief/RG&E
Examples of costs incurred include, but are not limited to:
- Workforce training and development
- Retention and recruitment costs
- Electric and/or heating inspections by contractors
- Enhanced energy efficiency assistance
- Additional electric infrastructure projects
All applicants must be NYSEG or RG&E electric service customers or leaseholders of a landlord who is a NYSEG or RG&E electric service customer. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Customers need not be current on their electric bills in to receive an award; however, in such cases, the awarded funding will be applied first to any customer overdue balances and any remaining amount, if any, will be sent to the customer. As part of the application process, the customer must certify that the request for funding is associated with COVID-19 and submit documentation of the expenditures, including vendor invoices and/or payment receipts.
Businesses with questions about the program or about their company’s eligibility can call 855.846.2982 or email [email protected] for more information.