Millions of New Yorkers to Get Utilities Discount in 2027

Millions of New Yorkers will be paying less for electricity and gas in 2027, and you may be surprised by how much money you can make and still qualify.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a major expansion of New York's Energy Affordability Program, which provides monthly discounts directly on utility bills.

Nearly one million households are already enrolled, but the state says another 2.5 million are eligible and aren't currently receiving the discount.

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Income Limits Expanded for New Yorkers

One reason so many more people now qualify for the discount is a significant expansion of the program's income requirements.

Beginning in 2026, eligibility was expanded to include households earning below the state median income. That means a family of four served by most utilities outside New York City, Long Island, Westchester and Nassau can earn up to $133,609 and still qualify.

For a two-person household, the limit is $90,854. A single person can earn up to $69,477.

Those higher limits now make the program available to many Hudson Valley residents who may not normally think of themselves as qualifying for utility assistance.

Discounts vary depending on household income, but the state says participating customers can save hundreds of dollars a year, with some households saving as much as $500 annually.

The goal of the program is to keep a typical household's utility costs below six percent of its income.

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Some New Yorkers Are Automatically Enrolled

Residents receiving Home Energy Assistance Program benefits or Public Assistance are automatically enrolled.

Those participating in several other programs, including SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income and certain veterans' assistance programs, may also qualify but could need to sign up themselves.

New York is now launching a statewide campaign using mail, email, text messages, advertisements, utilities and social service agencies to reach the estimated 2.5 million households that qualify but aren't enrolled.

With utility costs continuing to put pressure on household budgets, it may be worth checking even if you've never qualified for assistance before.

New Yorkers can check their eligibility and apply for the Energy Affordability Program at NY.gov/EAP.