Assembly Announces Enacted Budget Includes $1 Billion in Relief for New Yorkers Struggling with Rising Utility Rates

Assembly Announces Enacted Budget Includes $1 Billion in Relief for New Yorkers Struggling with Rising Utility Rates

Speaker Carl Heastie and Energy Committee Chair Didi Barrett today announced the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2026-2027 Enacted Budget includes funding to provide relief to families struggling with rising utility rates through Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate (POWER) Checks.

"At no fault of their own, New York ratepayers pay some of the highest utility rates in the country," said Speaker Heastie. "At a time when so many are already burdened by the high costs of living, the Assembly Majority is committed to putting money back into the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers. The enacted budget will provide a one-time POWER Check to ensure New Yorkers get the relief they need."

"New Yorkers are struggling with rising utility costs, and need real relief now," said Assemblymember Barrett. "These POWER checks are a win-win for New York families - putting money back into people's pockets and helping lower utility costs. I thank the Speaker and my colleagues for their support of this and other critical energy affordability measures we included in this year's budget."

The POWER Checks will be sent out from September to December of this year and provide $1 billion in relief to 8.2 million New Yorkers. The checks will be available to full-time residents of New York and are based on 2024 tax returns as follows:

• Joint filers with incomes below $150,000 will receive a check of $200;
• Joint filers with incomes between $150,000 and $300,000 will receive a check of $150; and
• Single filers with incomes below $150k will receive a check of $100.