Rochester, N.Y. — Millions of New Yorkers will begin receiving energy rebate checks of up to $200 next week as part of a $1 billion program included in the state budget.
Gov. Kathy Hochul visited Rochester Monday to announce that Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate, or POWER, checks will begin going out Monday, Sept. 21 to about 8.2 million households, with mailing continuing through December.
No application or sign-up is required. Eligibility and payment amounts will be based on 2024 state income tax returns.
Joint filers earning a combined yearly salary of less than $150,000 will receive $200.Those earning between $150,000 and $300,000 will receive $150.Single filers earning less than $150,000 will receive $100.
Recipients must have:
Been full-time New York residents in 2024 Filed a timely state resident income tax returnNot been claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return
“Too many families are struggling with rising household energy bills and soaring gas prices at the pump — and that’s why we’re putting money directly back in New Yorkers’ pockets by sending energy rebate checks to millions of families as part of our affordability agenda,” Hochul said in a statement.
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans said the rebates could provide relief as residents contend with higher everyday expenses.
“The cost of living keeps increasing, and rising everyday expenses is a top challenge facing all Rochesterians,” Evans said in a statement. “I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for working to help New York families and ease the burden of higher bills through the POWER rebate program.”
The rebates are part of Hochul’s broader energy affordability agenda. Her administration says more than $7.6 billion in direct utility bill relief has been provided to participating households since 2021.
Click here to learn more about the upcoming rebate checks.