New York Launches Enrollment Drive for Utility Bill Discount Program
Gov. Kathy Hochul kicked off a statewide initiative on Tuesday to encourage New Yorkers to enroll in the Energy Affordability Program, which aims to assist up to 2.5 million households in the state. In a speech delivered on the Lower East Side, Hochul emphasized the program’s potential to provide qualifying residents with discounts of up to $500 annually on their utility bills.
The governor noted that eligibility for the program was expanded earlier this year to include anyone earning below the median income for their area. For instance, a household of three in New York City earning less than $145,800 annually can qualify for the program.
This push for enrollment follows Hochul’s recent announcement of a separate rebate initiative aimed at providing eligible households with one-time checks of up to $200. This rebate is part of a broader $1 billion effort to address rising energy costs.
Hochul stated, “It’s just part of an ongoing continuous effort to help New Yorkers… we also understand the enormous pressures that families and businesses are under, and we’re helping do whatever we can.” Rising energy costs have become a significant topic in Hochul’s reelection campaign.
In contrast, her Republican opponent, Bruce Blakeman, criticized the governor’s efforts, claiming that her initiatives are a “buy votes” strategy amid skyrocketing utility rates, which he noted are 70% higher than the national average.
Currently, approximately one million New Yorkers have applied for the discount program. Residents can register for the program at NY.gov/EAP.
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