State budget includes $1 billion in energy rebate checks

Payments will range from $100 to $200

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul signed new legislation on Thursday as part of the FY27 Enacted Budget to hold the line on rising utility bills and make historic investments in New York’s sustainable future.

With this budget, Governor Hochul is standing up for utility ratepayers with $1 billion in one-time energy rebates, strict accountability measures on utility companies and aggressive measures to increase New York’s clean energy supply to help keep the lights on and costs down.

As the Governor enacts measures to combat skyrocketing utility costs, she continues making record investments in New York’s nation-leading environmental protection initiatives, flood mitigation efforts and community preparedness amidst frequent extreme weather events.

“Dangerous policies coming out of Washington have sent the costs of power skyrocketing and New Yorkers need relief,” Governor Hochul said. “This Budget not only means enhanced protections and direct financial relief for ratepayers today, it prepares us for an even stronger tomorrow thanks to our historic investments in sustainability, grid reliability, infrastructure and resiliency. In this budget, we are proving that we can prioritize affordability without compromising our New York values.”

$1 Billion in One-Time Energy Rebate Checks

With New Yorkers struggling with high energy costs and record gas prices at the pump thanks to bad federal policies, the new budget includes one-time $1 billion Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate (POWER) checks to help provide needed relief.

The POWER program will provide $200 to joint filers with incomes under $150,000 and $150 to joint filers with incomes between $150,000 and $300,000. Single filers with incomes under $150,000 will receive $100. The rebates will be issued as advanced credit checks and will be mailed out between September and December.

Who’s Eligible for a POWER Check?

You are eligible for a rebate credit check if, for tax year 2024, you:

• Filed a timely New York State Resident Income Tax Return for Tax Year 2024
• Were a full-time resident for New York State for Tax Year 2024
• Reported income within the qualifying thresholds and
• Were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.