New York Opens Cooling Assistance Applications as Federal Funding Faces Cuts

Governor Hochul warns proposed federal cuts could threaten energy relief for vulnerable households

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A soft, out-of-focus photograph of a family sitting in a living room, with a window in the background letting in warm, diffused sunlight, creating an intimate, cozy atmosphere.As energy costs rise, cooling assistance programs provide vital relief to vulnerable households struggling to beat the summer heat.Albany Today

New York has opened applications for its cooling assistance program, which helps eligible residents cover the cost of air conditioning units and fans ahead of the summer months. However, Governor Kathy Hochul warns that proposed federal cuts to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program could threaten a key source of energy relief for vulnerable households in the state.

Why it matters

With rising utility bills and the increasing threat of extreme heat due to climate change, access to cooling assistance is crucial for protecting the health and well-being of low-income families, older adults, and those with medical conditions. The potential federal funding cuts could exacerbate energy insecurity for over 1.4 million New York households that rely on this program.

The details

The cooling assistance program is part of New York's Home Energy Assistance Program and is expected to help around 18,500 households this year. It covers the cost and installation of air conditioning units or fans through participating vendors, focusing on residents with medical conditions worsened by heat, older adults, and families with young children. However, the Trump administration has proposed eliminating federal funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which supports more than 1.4 million New York households annually with heating and cooling costs.

  • Applications for the cooling assistance program opened on April 15, 2026.
  • The Trump administration has proposed eliminating federal funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York who announced the opening of the cooling assistance program and warned about the potential federal funding cuts.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

A federal program that supports more than 1.4 million New York households annually with heating and cooling costs, which is facing proposed cuts by the Trump administration.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Cutting the program would increase energy costs for families already struggling with rising utility bills.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

What’s next

Governor Hochul has called on congressional Republicans to oppose the proposed federal funding cuts to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which could have a significant impact on vulnerable households in New York.

The takeaway

This story highlights the critical importance of energy assistance programs, especially as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events. The potential federal funding cuts could exacerbate energy insecurity for low-income families, older adults, and those with medical conditions, underscoring the need for continued support and investment in these vital programs.