NYS to begin mailing utility rebate checks next week

ALBANY — Utility rebate checks for up to $200 will be mailed to 8.2 million households statewide starting next week, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday.

The election-year checks are part of a one-time $1 billion program, known as the Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate Program, which was included in the state’s $277 billion budget in May along with changes to how utility rates are set up in an effort to lower costs and increase protections for consumers.

“Too many families are struggling with rising household energy bills and soaring gas prices at the pump — and that's why we're putting money directly back in New Yorkers' pockets by sending energy rebate checks to millions of families as part of our affordability agenda,” Hochul said in a news release.

Energy costs are increasing for a variety of reasons, among them the U.S. war with Iran, supply chain disruptions, the expense of replacing aging infrastructure and increased demand.

The energy rebate checks will be mailed out starting Sept. 21 through December to qualifying New York residents based on their 2024 tax returns. No action is needed to receive a check.

Qualified married joint filers or surviving spouse filers with incomes up to $150,000 will receive a $200 check under the program, while those earning between $150,000 and $300,000 will receive $150. Single filers earning up to $150,000 will receive a $100 check.

Monday’s announcement comes ahead of November, when the governor’s seat and all 213 seats in the State Legislature are up for election.