New York State from space Image: WorldMapsOnline.com

New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo’s office issued a press release yesterday to announce the creation of the Oil Efficiency Pilot Program.  The program will provide financial assistance to needy families in New York State to help upgrade old heating systems and increase home energy efficiency.  The program will receive $1.9 million in funding as part of a $75 million settlement that Cuomo secured last year from American Electric Power, the nation’s largest energy company.  The company was fined for its coal-fueled power plants that were operating in violation of the federal Clean Air Act.

The pilot program, as part of the comprehensive HeatSmart NY program, is expected to extend assistance to 500 of the neediest 3 million New York families who rely on oil for heat.  The Attorney General’s Office also touted the program’s environmental benefits, saying it will help to reduce greenhouse gas and other polluting emissions.

New York residents who are interested the program should call 1-877-NYSMART.