New York state officials are encouraging people to sign up for the state\u2019s Energy Affordability Program (EAP), saying they are leaving money on the table.<\/p>\n
The program provides discounts on monthly utility bills, meaning some households could save hundreds of dollars per year.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, officials expanded the program to more middle-income households. About a million households already are part of the program. The state estimates 2.5 million more households are eligible but not signed up.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, before this, this program was only limited to people at the lowest incomes, which is important. We take care of them, but I knew we could do more,\u201d Hochul said during an event Tuesday in Manhattan. \u201cI challenged my team to find another path to help people who are not living in poverty but are still being squeezed by high cost of living.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hochul has made energy affordability a focus as she runs for re-election. Her Republican opponent, Bruce Blakeman, claims she hasn\u2019t done enough to lower costs.<\/p>\n