New York Proposes $500 Rebate Checks for Homeowners to Offset Rising Utility Bills

New York homeowners and renters struggling with rising utility bills may be in line for a $500 rebate check under a new proposal from Assembly Democrats.

The proposal, called the POWER program (Protect Our Wallets Energy Rebate Checks), was introduced as part of the Assembly's 2026-27 budget on March 10, 2026.

Who Would Get Money and How Much

Here's the breakdown:

• Households earning under $150,000/year → $500 rebate check
• Households earning $150,000–$300,000/year → $300 rebate check

About 5.4 million New Yorkers would qualify, with total cost of $2.6 billion.

What Else Is in the Proposal

The Assembly's budget also includes:

• A two-year freeze on gas and electric rate increases
• $163.3 million in savings by shifting certain utility fees to the state general fund
• A new Utility Consumer Advocate office to protect ratepayers
• A blue-ribbon commission to study the root causes of rising utility rates

Why This Is Coming Up Now

Over 1 million New Yorkers are currently at least two months behind on their utility bills, with a total overdue balance of around $2 billion. Over 400,000 households had their gas or electric shut off in 2025 alone — more than during the Great Recession.

Is This Law Yet?

Not yet. This is a budget proposal from Assembly Democrats. It still needs to be negotiated and passed. Senate Democrats and Republicans have also proposed their own utility relief plans.

We'll update this article as the budget is finalized. To stay current, check the New York State Assembly website:

assembly.state.ny.us

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