New Yorkers Seeking Utility Bill Relief Skyrocket Following Push

Following a push across several agencies to make New Yorkers aware of current energy affordability programs, numbers have skyrocketed over the past two weeks.

a calculator sitting on top of a table next to a laptop

More than 21,000 household applications have been submitted in just 14 days.

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Energy Affordability Program Nets 20,000+ Applications in Two Weeks

In an official press release from the Governor's Office, the enrollment drive through New York State's Energy Affordability Program, EAP, has seen a massive response, with an additional 21,000 New York households applying for release since the September 15th launch.

The Department of Public Service, who organized the EAP enrollment drive, has been able to reach over a million New Yorkers with the assistance of digital platforms, in-person events, local governments and community organizations. Agencies across New York have been facilitating digital ads, direct mailings, even text messages to ensure that residents know about the program and its benefits.

A pen rests on a check near the dollars line

The press release cited that 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.

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Governor Hochul Leaves 'No Stone Unturned' To Address Energy Costs for NYS

 

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

Michael M. Santiago, Getty Images

As it stands now, an estimated 2.5million additional households are eligible to enroll in the energy savings program, this following Governor Hochul's work to expand eligibility back in January. Those looking for eligibility guidelines can learn more here, while some New Yorkers are automatically enrolled in the savings program due to their participation in other assistance programs like HEAP or Temporary Assistance.

The program itself will allow for monthly discounts to make 'typical electric and natural gas utility bills less than six percent of household income.

In New York's Central Hudson 'utility area' 789 households applied for the program since the launch of the drive on September 15th.