New York lawmakers and advocates for ratepayers are calling for legislation that would create a system of "benefits matching" meant to connect households in the state with help paying their utility bills. 

The proposal, backed by state Sen. Kevin Parker and Assemblymember Michaelle Solages, is geared toward automatically enrolling eligible households in utilities' energy assistance programs. 

AARP New York and the Public Utility Law Project point to data showing 1.1 million households in the state are not receiving benefits to help with utility bill payments despite being eligible. All told, 1.2 million households are behind on their utility bills, owing a combined $1.7 billion.

The legislation comes as households are also struggling with the broader impact of rising inflation, affecting gas, groceries and other necessities. 

“Rising utility costs are creating hardship for families across our state,” Solages said. “Many of these same families receive public assistance but do not receive home energy assistance simply because they did not fill out additional paperwork. By leveraging technology and shared data, this bill will ensure that low-income individuals are automatically enrolled in HEAP, which will save countless New Yorkers money on utility bills.”

New Yorkers who receive support under the federal Home Energy Assistance Program are automatically enrolled in their utility's assistance program. But low-income utility customers not enrolled in the program must do so on their own. 

“This is a straightforward fix that would help over a million low-income New York households pay their utility bills,” said AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel. “There’s really no good reason not to pass this bill, especially since New York City is already successfully conducting this sensible benefits matching. Ultimately, the State should apply this concept to more benefits programs. Enacting the Parker-Solages bill into law would be a great first step.”