Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday launched a statewide enrollment drive aimed at helping millions of New Yorkers receive monthly discounts on their utility bills through the state’s Energy Affordability Program.
According to the governor’s office, approximately 2.5 million additional households are eligible for the program but are not currently enrolled, while nearly one million households are already participating. The expanded eligibility means that up to half of all households across New York State may now qualify for assistance.
The Energy Affordability Program provides monthly discounts directly on utility bills based on household income. Hochul said qualifying households could save hundreds of dollars annually, with some receiving savings of up to approximately $500 per year. The program is designed to keep a typical participating household’s utility costs below six percent of household income.
Under the expanded guidelines, income limits vary depending on the utility serving the household. For customers of utilities outside the Con Edison and National Grid downstate service territories — which includes much of the Hudson Valley — eligibility extends to annual household incomes of approximately $69,477 for one person, $90,854 for two people, $112,232 for three people and $133,609 for a family of four.
Residents who receive certain benefits, including SNAP, Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income, may also qualify. Some households are automatically enrolled through participation in other assistance programs, while others must apply.
Hochul has directed the New York State Department of Public Service and other state agencies to launch a broader outreach campaign using mail, email, text messages, digital advertising and community enrollment events to reach residents who may qualify.
The announcement comes one day after Hochul announced a separate $1 billion energy rebate program that is expected to provide one-time payments of up to $200 to approximately 8.2 million eligible New York households beginning September 21.
Residents can check their eligibility and find enrollment information here:
