News Summary
Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara has proposed the Utility Rate Hike Legislative Review Act, allowing the state Legislature to review utility rate increases approved by the Public Service Commission. This initiative seeks to enhance transparency and give consumers a voice regarding rising energy costs, as the PSC’s recent decisions are set to increase bills for New York households substantially. With average bills expected to rise by around $600 annually, this proposal aims to address consumer concerns and regulatory accountability.
New York Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara has introduced a legislative proposal aimed at increasing oversight of utility rate hikes following substantial increases approved by the Public Service Commission (PSC). The new Utility Rate Hike Legislative Review Act seeks to allow the state Legislature to review and potentially reverse utility rate increases that have been sanctioned in the past 12 months.
The PSC recently approved rate increases that will affect electricity and natural gas services statewide. For the average household in upstate New York, these changes are expected to add around $600 to energy bills annually. The new plan introduces a three-year schedule for residential electric customers, resulting in monthly bill increases of approximately $14.32 during the first year, $6.44 in the second year, and $4.34 in the third year. In addition, residential natural gas customers will see a rise in their monthly bills by about $7.66 in the first year, $8.08 in the second year, and $9.18 in the third year.
Under the proposed legislation, once utility rate increases are approved by the PSC, there will be a 60-day review period during which the Legislature can intervene. This process would allow lawmakers the ability to rescind or cut the increases simply by passing a resolution. The PSC would also be required to notify key stakeholders, including the Governor, state legislators, and the public, within 24 hours of any approved rate hikes.
The rationale behind the introduction of this bill stems from concerns expressed by constituents in Santabarbara’s Schenectady County district. Many residents were reportedly unaware of the upcoming rate increases until after they had already been approved by the PSC. This lack of transparency has raised alarms among lawmakers and consumer protection advocates, particularly given the current economic challenges faced by many families.
The PSC holds the sole responsibility for regulating utilities in New York state, which encompasses electricity, gas, telecommunications, and water services. This exclusive authority means that the Legislature currently holds limited power to influence or contest utility rate changes. The recent approval of rate increases by the PSC has been met with criticism from various quarters, specifically aimed at the context of rising costs and economic uncertainty that consumers are grappling with.
Governor Kathy Hochul has weighed in on the situation, acknowledging that energy prices are “way too high” and encouraging utility companies to focus more on the needs of their customers rather than prioritizing profits. This political climate has added to the urgency behind Santabarbara’s proposed legislation, which aims to enhance transparency and provide the public with a greater voice regarding utility rate changes.
As discussions around the bill proceed, it remains a crucial topic, as many New Yorkers await clarity on rising utility costs that could impact their annual budgets. The introduction of the Utility Rate Hike Legislative Review Act represents an effort to reform existing processes and introduce greater accountability within the state’s utility regulation framework.
The future implications of this bill could foster a shift in how utility rate increases are handled, empowering lawmakers and, in essence, consumers, to have more influence over the financial burden placed upon them by utility service providers.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- State of Politics: Assemblyman Introduces Bill on Utility Rate Hikes
- Wikipedia: Utility Regulation
- Times Union: NY Lawmaker’s Bill on Utility Rate Hikes
- Google Search: New York utility rate hikes
- CBS 6 Albany: Santabarbara’s Bill to Challenge Rate Hike
- Google Scholar: Utility rate hike legislation New York
- Daily Gazette: NY Utility Rate Hike Legislation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Utility Rate Increase
- Capitol Confidential: NY’s Utility Regulator on Defense
- Google News: National Grid rate hike
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
