Governor Hochul Announces Enrollment Push for State Energy Affordability Program Yields More Than 21,000 Household Applications in Just Two Weeks

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.

“Under my Energy Affordability Agenda, New York is leaving no stone unturned in finding ways to lower energy costs for consumers,” Governor Hochul said. “A few weeks ago, we launched an intensive effort to make more New Yorkers aware of their eligibility for utility bill relief of up to hundreds of dollars a year. It has been a great success — the number of applications alone proves that the need is great, and that there is a measurable benefit to households across the state — but they need to enroll.”

The EAP enrollment drive, organized by the Department of Public Service, has reached over one million New Yorkers, local governments and community organizations through digital platforms and in-person events across New York State. The program website, ny.gov/EAP, has seen nearly 200,000 visits since the program launch, peaking at 40,000 on September 16, up from 79 on September 1. Multiple state agencies have been participating in outreach through digital advertising, direct mail, email and/or texts to ensure that all New Yorkers know if they can qualify and apply. The outreach will continue online and in-person at tabling events throughout the fall.

Public Service Commission Chair and CEO Rory Christian said, “DPS is proud to help more eligible New Yorkers sign up for this monthly benefit to cut their utility bills. Together with other state agencies, authorities and community partners we are reaching out to all corners of the state to raise awareness of the program.”

In January 2026, Governor Hochul’s administration also expanded eligibility to include New York households that are below the state median income, or below area median income in New York City and Westchester, Suffolk and Nassau Counties. The State estimates that up to 2.5 million more households are eligible to enroll.

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).

Customers who participate in other programs, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Veterans’ Disability or Survivors Pension, Supplemental Security Income, Lifeline Telephone Service Program, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Utility Guarantee, Direct Vendor programs, Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Head Start or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations also qualify, but due to Federal restrictions cannot be automatically enrolled; these customers must self-enroll with proof of eligibility.

Below are application numbers in September by utility area.

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “Thanks to Governor Hochul, millions of New York households can save up to $500 a year on their energy bills, put money back in their pockets and free up their income for other household needs. OTDA is committed to continuing to work with our state, local and non-profit partners to highlight the importance of the Energy Affordability Program and encourage eligible households to enroll in the program.”

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt said, “We commend Governor Hochul’s leadership to make life more affordable for New York families and proudly joined in to quickly get the word out about the expansion of the Energy Affordability Program. As a front door to state government for many New Yorkers, we are sharing this important information by leveraging our multiple social media platforms, featuring program information in English and Spanish on video screens in DMV offices and distributing additional flyers in our offices across the state.”

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Kathy Moser said, “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, thousands of New York families are lowering their utility bills through the State’s Energy Affordability Program. As State Parks continues to expand access to low-cost recreation opportunities across the state, we are proud to partner with agencies like the Public Service Commission to ensure our visitors are aware of the saving programs like EAP.”

New York State Department of Civil Service Commissioner and Civil Service Commission President Timothy R. Hogues said, “Governor Hochul knows the importance of every dollar for New York’s families. That is why I encourage all eligible New Yorkers to take advantage of the monthly utility bill discounts available through the Energy Affordability Program, which is providing relief for thousands of households across the Empire State.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Governor Hochul’s Energy Affordability Plan is helping New Yorkers navigate the financial challenges posed by the unpredictability and instability of fossil fuels and ongoing energy price increases. DEC is encouraging all eligible individuals and families to take advantage of this opportunity and enroll now to lower the impact of utility bills on your household’s bottom line.”

BronxWorks Chief Executive Officer Eileen Torres said, “With the expansion of the program threshold, EAP has already provided critical support to thousands of Bronx residents, delivering much-needed, streamlined utility relief to households that need it most. As we near the winter months, BronxWorks will continue to support Governor Hochul and DPS in their outreach efforts to help ensure that income-eligible household accesses this crucial benefit.”

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 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. This builds on Governor Hochul’s Energy Affordability Agenda that puts New York families ahead of big energy companies to help address rising utility rates. The Governor’s Ratepayer Protection Plan will stop disruptive price hikes before they take effect and require 14 months to examine utility company rate requests. Energy profits will be tied to a company’s ability to perform where it matters most: people’s wallets. Utilities will be prohibited from passing the costs of lobbying, glossy PR campaigns, political donations and luxury travel to New York ratepayers.

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