Over 21,000 New York households have applied for utility bill relief through state Energy Affordability Program

ALBANY, NY- Governor Hochul today announced that more than 21,000 additional New York households have applied for utility bill relief through the State’s Energy Affordability Program (EAP) within the first two weeks of the enrollment drive that kicked off on September 15.

The program offers monthly discounts to make typical electric and natural gas utility bills less than six percent of household income.

New Yorkers should check eligibility guidelines and apply online via ny.gov/EAP. Some households will be automatically enrolled based on their participation in other programs, such as the Home Energy Assistance Program or the Public Assistance (i.e., Temporary Assistance), which are administered by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).

“Under my Energy Affordability Agenda, New York is leaving no stone unturned in finding ways to lower energy costs for consumers,” Governor Hochul said.

Customers who participate in other programs (I.E: SNAP, Medicaid and etc.) also qualify, but due to Federal restrictions cannot be automatically enrolled, as these customers must self-enroll with proof of eligibility.

In September 2026, Governor Hochul also announced that the Public Service Commission initiated a proceeding to implement several energy affordability initiatives including an Energy Affordability Index.

This Index, according to the Governor's Office, will be used to evaluate energy affordability in New York State and if a utility’s Affordability Index exceeds a six percent target (three percent for electric and three percent for gas), the Commission may install an independent Affordability Monitor to provide additional scrutiny of utility operations and expenditures.

Throughout her time in office, Governor Hochul has targeted relief for energy ratepayers through $1-billion in energy rebate checks that started going out September 21 and will continue through December.

Image via the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.