More than 8 million New York residents to receive up to $200 energy rebate checks
ALBANY, N.Y. —
More than 8 million New Yorkers will soon receive energy rebate checks of up to $200 as gas and energy prices continue to rise, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced.
Hochul said the payments are intended to help families cope with increasing energy and gas costs. Critics, however, argue that the timing of the payments is political and that one-time checks do not address the underlying causes of high energy prices.
The Empire Center for Public Policy reports that average residential electricity prices in New York are 70% higher than the national average.
“One of the reasons the cost of energy is so high is because we have limited energy sources,” Hochul said. “I am trying an all-of-the-above approach. I am trying to find any way possible to build more energy opportunities. Build our infrastructure.”
The rebate amounts will be based on 2024 state tax returns, and no application is required. Payments will be mailed starting September 21, with distribution continuing through December.