The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced today that the Low-Income Forum on Energy (LIFE) will hold a series of day-long meetings across the State for frontline workers, advocates and policy makers to help address the challenges and opportunities facing low-income consumers as they seek affordable energy.

“LIFE provides a critical avenue for community leaders and service providers to share essential information that can help low-income New Yorkers maintain their utility service during these challenging economic times,” said Commission Chairman Garry Brown.  “The LIFE Regional Meetings will provide valuable information on energy assistance programs, updates on key programs, and will highlight certain regional best practices.” 

Francis J. Murray, Jr., President and CEO, NYSERDA, said, “Governor Cuomo has made it a priority to ensure New Yorkers have access to affordable energy. I applaud the efforts of all participants in these meetings to address the needs of low-income households. The LIFE forums provide the opportunity to exchange ideas and best practices with the goal to serve this population more effectively.”

The six LIFE regional meetings, which run from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., provide an opportunity for participants to meet and network with others who share a commitment to helping low-income energy customers.

The schedule for this year’s regional meeting series is as follows:

Thursday, May 2                     Allegria Hotel, Long Beach

NYC/Long Island                    80 West Broadway

                                                Long Beach, NY 11561

Tuesday, May 7                      Saratoga Hilton

Capital District                      534 Broadway

                                               Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Thursday, May 9                    SUNY Canton

North Country                      Miller Campus Center 

                                              Woodcock Conference Suite

                                              2580 Route 68

                                              Canton, NY 13617

Thursday, May 16                   Holiday Inn

Hudson Valley                        68 Crystal Run Road

                                               Middletown, NY 10941

Tuesday, May 21                    Erie Community College

Western New York                 4041 Southwestern Boulevard

                                               Building 5

                                               Orchard Park, NY 14127

Wednesday, May 22               Port Watson Mini Conference Center

Central New York                  131 Port Watson Streets

                                               Cortland, NY 13045

LIFE is the nation’s longest running statewide dialogue on the energy needs of low-income customers and has built a reputation as an interactive exchange of ideas and resources. This year’s regional meetings will build on lessons learned in prior LIFE conferences and will feature sessions on emerging energy issues, consumer education and information on some of the resource programs that assist low-income energy customers.

The registration fee for this year’s meetings is $45 for all registrants and includes all conference materials, lunch, and breaks. For information about LIFE and the 2013 Regional Meetings, including meeting agendas and registration information, please visit www.lifenynews.org or call 1-877-NYSMART, option 5.  If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.