Powering Long Island with Heart: Carrie Meek Gallagher Champions Senior Energy Support

 Hello, dear friends! Every week in this column, I love shining a light on the people who make Long Island such a special place to call home. This week, we’re celebrating a true trailblazer—Carrie Meek Gallagher, the very first woman chosen to lead the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA).

Her story isn’t just about energy and infrastructure—it’s about service, compassion, and a commitment to making life a little easier for all of us, especially for seniors who are often balancing comfort with the reality of fixed incomes. Carrie understands that keeping our homes warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and well-lit year-round is more than a utility—it’s peace of mind.

Carrie’s Heart for the Community

Carrie brings decades of experience in public service and environmental leadership, but what stands out most is her deep connection to Long Island families. She has served our region through environmental protection, energy policy, and even stepped up during the pandemic to oversee testing efforts at Stony Brook University.

Now, as head of LIPA, her focus includes affordability and reliability—two things that matter most to seniors who want to remain comfortable in their homes without worrying about skyrocketing bills.

“Our mission is to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy to every Long Island household,” Carrie recently shared. “I know how important it is for seniors to feel secure and supported in their homes, and we’re committed to helping them save while staying comfortable.”

Community advocates describe her as collaborative, approachable, and deeply attuned to the needs of everyday Long Islanders. She knows that when seniors save on energy, it means more than just dollars back in the wallet—it means the ability to enjoy outings with grandchildren, set aside money for hobbies, or simply feel at ease knowing that home remains a haven.

Savings and Support for Seniors

If you’re a senior here on Long Island, there are several wonderful programs and simple practices that can make a real difference:

• Senior Energy Assistance Credit – A one-time $200 credit is available for eligible seniors (62+).
• Household Assistance Program – Monthly credits that can lower bills by $45 or more if you qualify through programs like SNAP, SSI, or Medicaid.
• Energy Affordability Program – Ongoing discounts for those already enrolled in assistance programs.
• Project Warmth (United Way of LI) – Emergency help for those facing heating challenges in the cold months.

Senior Savings Tip Box: Peak and Off-Peak Benefits

Did you know that when you use electricity can matter just as much as how much you use?

• Peak hours (late afternoon into evening) cost more.
• Off-peak hours (mid-day, overnight, and early morning) cost less.

For seniors, this can be a wonderful way to save:

Run the dishwasher or laundry in the evening or early morning.

Charge phones, tablets, or even medical equipment overnight.

Use timers on appliances so they run during off-peak times while you relax.

The comfort is the same, but the bill is smaller. A little shift in timing can add up to meaningful monthly savings.

A Community Message

Just as Carrie Meek Gallagher is guiding the Power Authority with fresh vision, she reminds us that leadership is about caring for people first. For Long Island seniors, that means more than reliable electricity—it means dignity, comfort, and the ability to live joyfully in the homes and communities you love.

After all, Long Island isn’t just where we live—it’s where our stories, traditions, and families thrive. And thanks to caring leaders, helpful programs, and smart tools like off-peak energy use, our golden years can shine a little brighter.