NEW YORK — Governor Hochul announced Wednesday that a new program, Renewable Energy Access and Community Help (REACH), was approved to provide electric bill credits for low-income households in disadvantaged communities across New York State.
The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) set up a system so electric companies can receive funds from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to lower electric bills for those low-income customers.
The PSC will be using a similar structure from other programs by the request of the NYPA and this will lower the costs of program administration and allow more funds to be given out.
To ensure that this program remains aligned with the Statewide Solar for All program, electric utilities were directed to first enroll EAP eligible low-income customers in disadvantaged communities. As time goes on, their goal is to make more resources available, and ensure all low-income and moderate-income customers will have the opportunity to enroll.
“My administration remains steadfast in supporting that New York State remains an affordable place to live and do business,” Governor Hochul said. “The NYPA REACH program will help ensure that low-income New Yorkers in disadvantaged communities will not be left behind as we make the critical transition to a clean-energy economy.”