Energy Affordability Program may help millions of New Yorkers save on utility bills
Gov. Kathy Hochul raised awareness about the Energy Affordability Program (EAP) when she made a stop in Flatbush, Brooklyn, on Wednesday.
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A new program may help millions of New Yorkers save on their utility bills.
Gov. Kathy Hochul raised awareness about the Energy Affordability Program (EAP) when she made a stop in Flatbush, Brooklyn, on Wednesday.
“We know the stress families are under,” said Hochul. “We know how hard it is to make ends meet.”
New Yorkers who qualify can save up to $500 a year on their bill.
The state says 1 million households are already enrolled, and about 2.5 million more households are eligible.
The savings were previously available for lower–income individuals. The program now expands to include working individuals who earn up to $113,000 and a family of four earning up to $162,000.
“Bills are going up for everybody, and middle-class families who don’t have other benefits available to them are being hardest hit,” said Hochul. “This is just to give them a little bit of relief.”
The money is being allocated from the state budget.
New Yorkers told News 12 that covering the cost of utilities is a big burden.
“This summer I was reluctant to even put on my air conditioner because of the bill,” said Desiree Cooper, of Flatbush.
“It’s getting to be too much, and you just don’t know when that is going to stop,” said Josefina Lessey, of Flatbush.
The expanded EAP program comes as Hochul also said that more than 8 million New Yorkers can expect to receive a one-time energy rebate check in the mail as soon as next week.
