Overview
- Starting Sept. 21, the state will begin mailing Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate (POWER) checks that will arrive through December.
- About 8.2 million households are eligible for automatic mailed checks using 2024 state tax returns with no separate application required.
- Payment levels are tiered by filing status and income: joint filers under $150,000 get $200, joint filers $150,000–$300,000 get $150, and single filers under $150,000 get $100.
- Gov. Hochul has directed state agencies to boost enrollment in the Energy Affordability Program to expand longer-term discounts for more households.
- The rebates are part of a $1 billion budget provision paired with utility oversight changes and have drawn criticism from Republicans and watchdogs who call the timing politically motivated.