NYS Governor David A. Paterson today announced New York State residents who are susceptible to heat-related illnesses can apply for home air conditioners. Some of the state’s most vulnerable low-income residents, whose health problems can be exacerbated by heat emergencies, may be eligible for assistance this summer through a multi-agency cooling initiative that will make the air conditioners available.

The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), together with the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) and the State Office for the Aging (SOFA) are sponsoring the program, which will allocate $2.4 million in federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) funds for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient air conditioners to eligible individuals.

“In a typical year, about 400 Americans die from heat-related illness, and by simply providing an air conditioner, we can protect some of our most vulnerable residents,” said Governor Paterson. “Typically, it is the elderly who are disproportionately affected by heat-waves, and New York needs to do what it can to protect them. The last HEAP cooling initiative in New York that was targeted to medically-needy households occurred nine years ago, so there is a real need for this program.”

To be eligible for the program, clients must meet existing HEAP income guidelines and have at least one member of the household that suffers from an acute medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat. Written documentation from a physician clearly indicating the need for an air conditioner is required and must be dated within the previous six months.

OTDA Commissioner David Hansell said: “Exposure to extreme heat can be deadly for those who suffer from certain medical conditions. This program is designed specifically as a health intervention, targeted for those who are at high risk in heat emergencies, but do not have an air conditioner or the resources to purchase one.”

DHCR Commissioner Deborah VanAmerongen, said: “Senior citizens with health issues face grave danger in the summer heat, even in their own homes. This program will provide safety and comfort for those facing the greatest risk. In addition, the DHCR administered portion of the program includes measures designed to assist households in reducing electrical consumption, such as installing compact fluorescent lamps, cleaning the refrigerator coil and insulating the hot water heater.”

OFA Director Michael Burgess said: “Each year in the United States, more people die from excessive heat events than from hurricanes, tornados, floods and earthquakes combined, and older people are particularly vulnerable. This program will help this vulnerable population remain safely in their homes through heat emergencies as well alleviate the dangers of extreme heat-related health problems that are commonly aggravated by those hot, humid summer days.”

Installations will begin during the month of June. Local social services districts will target outreach to medically-needy households that would receive the greatest benefit from cooling services. New York City agencies are working collaboratively to target outreach to those households that are the most in need. New York City clients over the age of 60 should apply at the New York City Department for the Aging. All other New York State and New York City residents can apply through their local Department of Social Services.

Households will not be eligible if they currently have a working air conditioner, or received one through a DHCR or New York State Energy Research and Development Authority funded initiative in the last 10 years.

Only one air conditioner will be provided per household or dwelling unit. Installation, labor and other measures designed to conserve energy, such as insulating the hot water heater and cleaning the refrigerator coil, will also be provided. Grants do not include an additional HEAP cash benefit to fund operation of the air conditioner.

For more information about the HEAP program, please visit http://www.otda.state.ny.us/main/.