New York State Utility Assistance Announced
The New York State Public Service Commission approved a $672 million utility electric and gas utility bill relief late Thursday that will give economic assistance to 478,000 non-low-income New Yorkers and 56,000 small businesses.
The program, designed by the Energy Affordability Policy Working Group, aims at covering New Yorkers' bill arrears accumulated through May 1, 2022, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused significant financial hardship for customers, the shuttering of businesses statewide, and the loss of jobs. The relief plan would eliminate 75 percent of recipients' past due bills thanks to a one-time credit, partially resolving the remaining 25 percent's arrears.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the PSC decision on Friday morning. "Every New Yorker deserves affordable energy, yet too many New Yorkers are at risk of having their lights turned off due to financial problems caused by the pandemic," Hochul said.
The electric and gas utility assistance plan is the second action conceived as part of helping New Yorkers pay off past-due utility bills. The first one — a $567 million relief program — was announced by Hochul last summer and addressed low-income customers. |
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