Millions of New York households may now qualify for monthly discounts on their utility bills through the state’s Energy Affordability Program (EAP). The expanded eligibility rules are designed to make energy assistance available to a broader range of households across New York.

According to the state, nearly 1 million households are already enrolled in the program, while approximately 2.5 million additional households may be eligible. Depending on household income and other qualifying factors, EAP discounts can provide savings of up to hundreds of dollars each year on utility costs.

What Is New York’s Energy Affordability Program?

The Energy Affordability Program provides monthly discounts on utility bills for eligible New York households. The amount of the discount depends on household income and other eligibility factors.

Some households are automatically enrolled because they participate in qualifying assistance programs. Others must apply for the EAP themselves.

Households receiving the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) or Public Assistance, including Temporary Assistance, are automatically enrolled in the EAP. These programs are administered by New York’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

Other households may qualify based on participation in programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Veterans’ Disability or Survivors Pension, Lifeline Telephone Service, Federal Public Housing Assistance, and several other assistance programs.

Because of privacy restrictions, participation in some of these programs does not result in automatic EAP enrollment. Eligible households can instead apply online through the state’s EAP website.

Expanded Eligibility for More New York Households

Eligibility was expanded in January 2026 to include households whose income is at or below the state median income. Different income thresholds apply in New York City and in Westchester, Suffolk, and Nassau counties.

The income limits vary according to household size and utility service area. For example, the current thresholds listed by the state range from approximately $69,477 for a one-person household served by National Grid Upstate New York and other utilities to more than $213,000 for an eight-person household in the Con Edison and National Grid New York City service areas.

This expansion means that households that may not have qualified under traditional income-based assistance programs could now be eligible for monthly utility discounts.

Statewide Enrollment Campaign

New York is launching a broader effort to increase awareness and enrollment in the Energy Affordability Program. The Department of Public Service is expected to work with other state agencies, utilities, and community organizations to reach potentially eligible households.

The campaign may include digital advertising, direct mail, email, and text communications. Social service agencies will also help connect people participating in other assistance programs with information about EAP eligibility.

Community organizations are expected to participate in in-person enrollment events, while utility companies will provide customers with information about how to apply. State agencies with public-facing offices will also promote the program through digital displays.

The goal is to make it easier for eligible households to understand the program and complete the enrollment process.

Additional Energy Relief for New Yorkers

The expanded EAP eligibility comes alongside other energy affordability initiatives in New York.

The state recently announced plans for $1 billion in energy rebate checks for 8.2 million eligible households, with payments scheduled to begin in September 2026. New York has also previously provided funding to help residential customers and small businesses address unpaid utility bills.

According to the state, more than $6.6 billion has been provided in direct utility bill relief since Governor Kathy Hochul took office in 2021, excluding the newly announced $1 billion in energy rebate checks. The state also reports an additional $1.4 billion in funding for residential weatherization, energy efficiency, and renewable energy projects.

Efforts to Address Utility Costs

New York has also introduced broader measures aimed at addressing utility affordability and the factors that contribute to rising energy bills, including investments in infrastructure and sustainability initiatives such as NYC green roof bus shelters in Brownsville.

The state’s energy affordability agenda includes proposals and requirements concerning utility rate increases, operating costs, transparency, and utility profits. Among the measures is an energy affordability index intended to show how utility rates affect household energy costs.

The FY27 state budget also established a RATES Commission. The commission is intended to examine energy prices and costs passed on to consumers, review utility profits, and evaluate energy market structures.

These initiatives are part of a broader effort to examine both direct financial assistance for households and the underlying costs associated with utility service.

How Eligible Households Can Apply

Households that qualify but are not automatically enrolled can apply for the Energy Affordability Program online through the state’s EAP portal.

People who participate in programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, or other qualifying assistance programs should check whether they are eligible for the monthly utility discount.

Households that became eligible under the expanded income guidelines introduced in January 2026 can also apply if they meet the applicable income requirements for their household size and location.

Conclusion

The expansion of New York’s Energy Affordability Program could make monthly utility bill discounts available to millions of additional households. With eligibility now extending to more households based on income and participation in qualifying programs, residents who previously did not qualify for energy assistance may want to review the current requirements.

For households that are eligible but not automatically enrolled, completing the application process is an important step toward receiving the available utility discount. Checking the state’s current eligibility guidelines can help residents determine whether the expanded program applies to their household.

Frequently Asked Questions