$567 million is to support low income households

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has said $567 million (£463m) is being made accessible to support low income households pay of past energy costs.

It may incorporate a predicted $557 million statewide COVID-19 bill credit programme for customers with a minimal income approved today by the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC).

Beneath the programme, the New York PSC is leveraging the $250 million (£204m) from the financial year 2023 Enacted State Budget to need utilities to implement a one-time credit to customers.

COVID-19 caused compelling financial hardships to low income customers and those with unpaid utility bills, along with the amount owed, has “risen considerably” since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020.

Those customers enlisted in the Energy Affordability Programme (EAP) will receive help against their unpaid utility bills that have granted through 1st May 2022.

It will also bring the same financial backing for any eligible customers with a low income who enrol in EAP by 31st December 2022.

More than 327,000 low income households in New York are proposed to directly favor from the programme.

“It’s unacceptable that far too many New Yorkers are at risk of having their lights shut off for failure to pay their utility bills due to financial problems caused by the pandemic, Governor Hochul stated.

“To address this, I partnered with the State Legislature to appropriate $250 million toward reducing the burden of utility arrears. Today’s action by the Public Service Commission builds on the budget appropriation and is a major step forward to help vulnerable New Yorkers maintain their utility services while they get back on their feet.”

$567 million is to support low income households