In the middle of a summer defined by back-to-back scorching heat waves, New Yorkers’ air conditioners have been running nonstop. And in return, our Con Edison energy bills have been through the roof.
Thanks to a volatile mix of historic heat and relentless 90º days, most New Yorkers are feeling a serious dent in their wallets right now.
In fact, New Yorkers have been facing some of the highest summer energy bills in recent history, with an extra amount of roughly $70 being tacked on to their total compared to last summer. It’s no wonder why NYC landlords will soon be required to provide air conditioning to tenants–cooling has officially become a basic necessity.
NYC energy bills are through the roof
If your most recent energy bill brought a tear to your eye, you’re not alone
Data shows the average monthly electric bill in New York State hovers around $168.16, but NYC residents are dealt the heaviest blow blow.
New York consistently ranks among the most expensive states for electricity, with residential rates sitting roughly 50% to 70% above the national average.
While the average American pays 17 to 19 cents per kWh, New Yorkers pay an average of roughly 27 to 31 cents per kWh for residential electricity. The moment you turn on that window unit, those rates cause monthly totals to skyrocket.
The financial lifeline: Con Edison’s Enhanced Energy Assistance Program
To cushion the blow, Con Edison has launched a massive bill relief initiative called the Enhanced Energy Assistance Program (EEAP). Designed specifically to keep utility costs from swallowing up household budgets during peak summer usage, the program provides monthly discounts of up to $168 off your bill.
Even more, once approved, your discount stays active for 18 months straight—meaning eligible households could save up to $3,000+ over the course of the program.
More than 20,000 New Yorkers have already secured their savings, but millions more are eligible and simply haven’t applied yet.
Which New Yorkers qualify?
Unlike traditional utility relief programs that require enrollment in government benefits like SNAP or Medicaid, EEAP is open to a much wider group of New Yorkers. Con Edison estimates that 1 in 3 households across NYC and Westchester now fit the criteria.
Instead of a strict income cap, the program uses a ratio system: your monthly energy costs should not exceed 6% of your household’s Area Median Income (AMI) based on family size.
To qualify, you must:
- Have an active residential electric or natural gas account with a participating New York utility
- Have a household income below the program maximum, which varies by location and household size (see threshold amounts)
- Provide complete documentation of your entire household’s income for the last month
Note that you can’t be enrolled in both the Energy Affordability Program (EAP) and EEAP. If you are currently enrolled in EAP, you do not need to apply for EEAP.
How to apply online in 5 minutes
You don’t need to make an appointment or visit a Con Edison office–most households can complete the application online in just a few minutes.
- Gather Proof of Household Income: Collect your pay stubs, pension statements, Social Security records, or self-employment documentation from the past month. Clear photos taken on your phone are accepted for upload
- Apply via the Portal: Submit your details directly through the NY Enhanced Energy Affordability Program application portal
- Alternative Options: If you can’t access the online portal, you can complete your application over the phone by calling 1-877-400-2501 or submit a paper form by mail or fax