Bill > A07056

This bill authorizes the New York State Department of Public Service to develop and implement a temporary middle income home energy assistance program designed to provide one-time supplemental grants to help eligible households obtain home heating fuel. The program defines home heating fuel broadly to include fuel oil, coal, wood, propane, natural gas, electricity, steam, kerosene, and other residential heating fuels. Households will be certified as eligible based on standards set by the department, though assistance is contingent on the availability of state funds. Importantly, any home energy assistance payments received will not be counted as income or resources for the purposes of other state laws, which could help preserve recipients' eligibility for other assistance programs. The bill appropriates $1 million from the state treasury to support the program, and the program will be in effect from its passage until April 1, 2027. This temporary program appears designed to help middle-income households manage energy costs during a potentially challenging period.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7056