Gov. Kathy Hochul visited BronxWorks' senior center in Fordham on Thursday to promote New York's new Energy Affordability Program, known as EAP, and encourage eligible residents to enroll.

More than 21,000 households have already signed up since applications opened on Sept. 15, highlighting what state officials say is a growing need for relief from rising utility costs.

Applause and cheers filled the senior center as Hochul greeted residents and urged them to take advantage of the program.

Under EAP, eligible households will receive monthly discounts on their electric and natural gas bills. The goal is to reduce energy costs, so they account for no more than 6% of a household's income.

Many seniors at the event welcomed the assistance, holding yellow flyers that read "More Money in Your Pockets" and calling the financial relief a necessity as they navigate rising living expenses.

State officials estimate that up to 2.5 million households across New York may qualify for the program, but many have not yet enrolled.

“When people can have that sense of reliability to know that their bills will not go over a certain amount. It helps them plan better. And this time, when grocery prices are going up, gas prices are going up. The tariffs are driving everything. So, everything Washington is doing is making it so much harder for the families and individuals here,” said Hochul.

There is no deadline to apply for the Energy Affordability Program. Eligibility is based on household income, and residents can check whether they qualify and apply online.