New York families struggling with rising electricity and gas costs may soon receive significant financial relief. With the expansion of New York State’s energy affordability program, an additional 2.5 million households may now qualify for monthly discounts on their utility bills.
One of the most significant changes is that the benefits are no longer limited to low-income households receiving government assistance. Residential customers of Con Edison in New York City and Westchester County may now apply under the expanded program if their household income falls within the established limits.
As a result, many working-class and middle-income families that previously did not qualify for public assistance may now be eligible for discounts on their electricity and gas bills.
For a household of four, the annual income limit is $162,000.
According to Con Edison’s 2026 eligibility guidelines, the maximum annual household income limits are based on family size:
* One-person household: $113,400
* Two-person household: $129,600
* Three-person household: $145,800
* Four-person household: $162,000
* Five-person household: $175,000
* Six-person household: $188,000
* Seven-person household: $200,900
* Eight-person household: $213,900
This means a four-person family living in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, or Manhattan may qualify if its total annual income is below $162,000. The expanded program is particularly significant for New York’s Bangladeshi community, where two working family members may earn enough to exceed the income limits for traditional low-income assistance programs.
Previously, many such households were excluded from utility assistance. Under the expanded eligibility rules, a substantial number may now be able to apply.
The amount of the monthly discount varies depending on household income, whether electricity or gas is used to heat the home, and the household’s income category.
Customers in the lowest income bracket who qualify through Con Edison may receive more than $33 per month in electricity bill discounts. Those who use gas to heat their homes may receive more than $135 per month in gas bill discounts.
Households eligible for both benefits could receive combined monthly discounts of approximately $169. However, families closer to the upper income limit may receive smaller reductions. For example, a four-person household earning $80,000 annually and another earning $160,000 may both qualify, but their monthly discounts would likely differ.
The primary goal of New York State’s energy affordability program is to keep eligible households’ basic electricity and gas expenses at approximately 6% of their total household income.
Many customers who already receive Home Energy Assistance Program benefits, cash assistance, or certain other government benefits may be enrolled automatically.
Eligibility may also extend to customers receiving certain forms of food assistance, medical assistance, Social Security benefits, public housing assistance, veterans’ disability benefits, or discounted telephone services. However, some recipients may need to apply independently.
Importantly, receiving no government assistance does not automatically disqualify a household. This is one of the program’s most significant changes. Families that previously assumed they were ineligible because they did not receive public benefits may now qualify based on their household income.
Applicants should consider whether they are residential Con Edison customers, how many people live in their household, their total annual income, and whether they already participate in an energy assistance program.
Households applying based on income may generally be required to provide recent documentation showing the income of household members. Acceptable documents may include pay stubs, Social Security benefit statements, pension records, self-employment income records, and other approved documentation.
Con Edison customers can apply online. Applications may also be submitted by mail or fax for those unable to apply online. Application forms are available in Bengali as well.
Many households already receiving government energy assistance may have discounts applied automatically. However, customers are encouraged to contact their utility provider to confirm whether the discount has been activated on their accounts.
Following the launch of a new enrollment campaign by Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration, more than 21,000 households applied within just a few weeks. According to state figures, approximately 1 million households currently benefit from the program. With the expanded eligibility rules, another 2.5 million households may qualify, suggesting that many eligible families have yet to apply.
## One-Time $200 Energy Assistance Is a Separate Benefit
In addition to monthly utility bill discounts, New York State has introduced a separate one-time energy assistance benefit. Under this program, millions of New York households may qualify for payments of $100, $150, or up to $200, depending on income and tax filing status.
This one-time payment is entirely separate from the monthly electricity and gas discount program. Therefore, eligible households may be able to receive both a one-time energy assistance payment and recurring monthly utility bill discounts.
Con Edison customers are encouraged to review their latest utility bills to determine whether any discounts have already been applied. Those who are not currently receiving a discount should not automatically rule themselves out simply because they believe their income is too high or they do not receive government assistance.
With annual income limits reaching $162,000 for four-person households and $175,000 for five-person households, a significant number of middle-income families across New York City may now qualify for assistance.
For detailed eligibility requirements, application instructions, and additional information, residents can visit the official New York State energy assistance website and Con Edison’s website.
