New York expands energy assistance to help millions of families
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Governor Kathy Hochul of New York announced a state campaign to connect 2.5 million families with monthly discounts on their electricity or gas bills.
The effort expands the reach of the Energy Affordability Program (EAP) and builds on other energy cost assistance the state plans to distribute in the coming months.
Approximately one million households are already enrolled in the EAP, but Hochul’s administration aims to include the 2.5 million eligible New Yorkers who are not currently benefiting from the program. The expanded program, effective from January 2026, allows households below the state median income to access the benefit. For customers of Con Edison, National Grid Metro and National Grid Long Island, the program uses the median income for the area as a reference point.
The New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) explained the EAP aims to limit energy costs to 6% of a family’s income, representing the portion of income spent on utilities. The Governor’s office stated that the EAP and the Enhanced Energy Affordability Program (EEAP) already provide over $500 million annually in rebates to around one million homes. Savings can reach hundreds of dollars per year, with some customers potentially saving up to $500 annually through state energy affordability programs.
The state also extended protections preventing customers from losing assistance until November 2026 and increased the eligibility demonstration period to 18 months, aiming to avoid disruptions from federal program delays.
