East Hudson Valley News

Residents across New York State have been receiving unusually high electric and gas bills from utility companies like New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Central Hudson. Various elements, including energy demands and state climate initiatives, have influenced these rate hikes. State officials are attempting to alleviate the financial burden on residents through legislative measures.

Assemblyman Brian Maher and Senator Rob Rolison pointed to the state's clean energy initiatives as a partial cause of the rate hikes, with ratepayers bearing the costs of the NYS Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. While both support clean energy, they urge the state to consider the financial impact on residents.

"Gas and electric prices are increasing. Albany-mandated utility companies make billions of dollars in investments to comply with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act," Rolison stated on March 17. "We all support clean energy, but these mandates are being passed on to ratepayers in a way that makes these investments unaffordable."

In response, Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. and colleagues introduced Senate Bill S1194, which mandates a 45-day notice from utility companies before any rate or charge increase. Rolison also put forward two bills: Bill S980, requiring public hearings for rate hikes, and the Ratepayer Relief Act, proposing a tax credit for middle and working-class utility ratepayers.

"Utility companies have come under fire for skyrocketing rates, billing issues, and a lack of transparency," said Isabella Paquette, Director of Communications for Rolison and co-sponsor of Addabbo’s bill. "With household budgets stretched thin by rising costs, Bill S1194 is a step in the right direction, ensuring ratepayers have time to prepare for higher bills, especially heading into warmer weather."