Mayor Bill de Blasio today updated New Yorkers on the City’s efforts to keep vulnerable New Yorkers cool indoors this summer. The Get Cool NYC program addresses the higher risk for indoor heat exposure for New Yorkers this summer, due to staying inside for social distancing, especially for those most at risk of COVID-19 complications.

“Summer is upon us, and we must keep the most vulnerable New Yorkers cool and safe at home,” the mayor said. “We’re moving heaven and earth to get air conditioners to thousands of seniors in need, and I thank the Public Service Commission for approving our request to provide even more financial assistance to New Yorkers so they don’t have to choose between keeping cool and putting food on the table.”

A statement from the mayor’s office read that officials reached out to over 180,000 low-income seniors on the topic and over 25,000 requested air conditioning units. The City has installed 4,500 air conditioners so far, including over 1,900 in NYCHA buildings, and is ramping up to install a total of 74,000 air conditioners for low-income seniors this summer.

The City administration wrote that eight times more air conditioners were installed in the apartments of low-income, vulnerable seniors in the first few weeks of the program compared to the number of installations for all of last year under the Home Energy Assistance Program.

Meanwhile, the State Public Service Commission has also approved the City’s request to keep vulnerable low-income New Yorkers safe in their homes by providing financial assistance with their summer utility bills. The $70 million in aid will provide much-needed relief to approximately 440,000 families in New York City, providing up to $140 from June to October.