Bill > A03519

This bill authorizes the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to create a temporary middle-income home energy assistance program to help households struggling with heating costs. The program defines "middle income" as households earning up to 165% of the area median income or the average survival budget for their county. It covers various types of home heating fuels including fuel oil, coal, wood, wood pellets, propane, natural gas, electricity, steam, and kerosene. The bill suspends sales and use taxes on home heating fuels until July 1, 2028, making these essential energy sources more affordable for middle-income families. Additionally, the bill appropriates $3 million from the state treasury to fund the program, and specifies that any energy assistance payments will not be counted as income for other state benefit calculations. The program is designed to provide supplemental grants to help eligible households obtain home heating fuel, with the understanding that assistance is contingent on available state funding. The bill will take effect immediately and is set to expire on April 1, 2028.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3519