New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that checks from the one-time $1 billion Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate, or POWER, will be mailed to 8.2 million households from Sept. 21 through December. Eligible joint filers earning under $150,000 will receive $200, those earning $150,000 to $300,000 will receive $150, and single filers earning under $150,000 will receive $100. Eligibility is based on 2024 tax-year information and requires a timely New York State resident income tax return, full-time state residency, compliance with income thresholds and no dependent claim. Residents do not need to apply. The payments are part of Hochul’s affordability agenda as household energy bills and gas prices rise. New York also announced a RATES Commission to examine utility bills, profits and energy-market design. The state says it has provided $7.6 billion in utility-bill relief since 2021 and committed $1.4 billion to weatherization, energy efficiency and renewable-energy projects. Concerns over electricity costs and grid strain have also prompted a pause on new hyperscale data centers using 50 megawatts or more.