New York State Steps Up to Ease the Burden of Past-Due Utility Bills for Residents

New York State is launching a new program to provide relief to residents who are struggling to pay their utility bills. Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that 478,000 residential customers and 56,000 small businesses will receive funding to pay off past-due bills for electricity, water, heat, and gas. This will come from a $673 million pot, making it the largest utility financial assistance program in the state’s history, according to a report by The US Sun on February 1, 2023.

To be eligible for the one-time relief check, the bill must have a past-due balance billed through May 1, 2022. Additionally, the applicant’s utility service should not have been suspended for non-payment until March 1 or at least 30 days after the application for the credit. The program has been approved by the state’s Public Service Commission (PSC) in an effort to make utility bills more affordable.

In addition to the debt-relief program, Governor Hochul has also announced $200 million for relief of high electric bills. Approximately 800,000 New York residents will receive cash assistance, but they must earn less than $75,000 annually and not be eligible for the state’s current utility discount program, according to The US Sun.

New York is not the only state offering relief for utility bills; Colorado is also providing similar assistance. Colorado residents who qualify can receive up to $1,044 a year through the Property Tax, Rent, and Heat (PTC) Rebate program, which is now available. In 2023, the PTC program aims to provide over $7 million in relief funds to help seniors and those with disabilities.