Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C, Elma) and members of the Senate Minority Conference have unveiled a package of legislation aimed at addressing New York’s rising energy costs and offsetting the effects of costly energy mandates out of Albany. The package is part of the Conference’s broader 2026 legislative agenda entitled “Save New York,” a plan to improve affordability, enhance public safety, and build a stronger New York. 

New Yorkers are currently weathering some of the highest energy rates in the nation. Residential electricity rates in New York are 50% higher than the national average and rose 7.6% in the past year, faster than the national average. Since New York passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), electricity rates in New York have increased 45%– leading New Yorkers to pay 30-40% higher rates than our neighbors in Pennsylvania.  

“One of the biggest concerns constituents tell me they face is rising energy costs, with many reporting monthly electric bills twice as high as in the past,” said Senator Gallivan. “As utility companies try to meet the unrealistic mandates outlined in the CLCPA, they pass the costs to consumers, who are left struggling to keep the lights on and to heat their homes. It is time to re-examine these policies and adopt legislation that will ensure clean, dependable, and most importantly, affordable energy for all New Yorkers.”

Among the goals of the legislative package are to repeal costly mandates, provide immediate ratepayer relief, and increase cost transparency. All of the bills listed are co-sponsored by Senator Gallivan. 

Repeal Green Energy Mandates:   

S1167 – Repeals the All Electric Buildings Act, which would prohibit fossil fuel equipment and building systems in new buildings. The rules were to take effect in 2026 but are currently on hold.

S3652 – Repeals the Electric Vehicle mandate. 

S4748 – Repeals the zero-emission school bus mandate, which would require that new school bus purchases be zero emission by 2027 and all school buses in operation be zero emission by 2035. 

S8607 - Repeals the $15 billion per year Cap-and-Invest program that will function as a tax on New York consumers. 

Immediate Ratepayer Relief 

S8461 – Requires any surplus or unspent ratepayer funds remaining in The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Clean Energy Fund or any unspent funds collected by utilities be sent back to ratepayers as a bill credit. This bill would result in lowering New Yorkers’ utility bills by $2 billion at a time when New Yorkers are facing skyrocketing utility bills. NYSERDA’s 2025 Financial Plan indicated the authority had $2 billion in unspent funds at the end of FY2025. 

Cost Transparency 

S1031 – Directs the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Comptroller to determine the cost of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) mandates for each ratepayer and to establish a credit for ratepayers and businesses to cover those costs. 

S8447 – Requires a fiscal note when a bill enacts or amends a law impacting the cost of utility services. 

S8936 – Increases transparency and accountability in utility billing by requiring all electric utility corporations, energy services companies, and municipalities to provide customers with a clear, itemized breakdown of their monthly bills. 

The Senate Minority Conference will continue to bring forward common sense solutions to offer immediate relief to New York residents. 

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