The cost of utility bills in Senate District 51 and throughout New York State have skyrocketed. Utility customers are struggling to make ends meet while utility bills continue to double, triple or even quadruple. Many times with no explanation from the utility.     

This is why I have introduced eight bills as part of my Utility Ratepayer Bill of Rights legislative package. Eight bills that demand transparency and accountability by the utility. New York State is in an affordability crisis. No New Yorker should have to decide whether they can keep the lights on or pay their mortgage, insurance, or put food on the table; while many New Yorkers have simply given up and are fleeing New York.    

I’m also calling for an immediate utility tax holiday to provide financial relief to New York ratepayers. S.8463 would establish a one-year utility bill tax and surcharge holiday and a two-year green energy gas tax holiday, which would provide real and meaningful relief to ratepayers that are paying residential electric rates 50% higher than the national average.

New York State must hold these utilities accountable and my legislative package addresses these issues.     

This legislative package includes: 

• S.8935 - The Right to Fair Rates: Itemized billing and local meetings before rate increases.
• S.8947 - The Right to Transparency: Disclosure of fuel costs, rate structures, and energy sources.
• S.9023 - The Right to Accurate Billing and Complaint Resolution: Ends estimated billing and requires timely dispute resolution. 
• S.8946 - The Right to Timely Customer Service: Live customer service and real-time outage updates. 
• S.9119 - The Right to Local Oversight: Expands community input on large-scale projects.
• S.9118 - The Right to Financial Protections: Prevents shutoffs during extreme weather and ensures payment options.
• S.9031 - The Right to Recourse: Allows forensic audits for prolonged non-compliance.
• S.9137 - The Right for Inspections: Strengthens oversight of utility meters. 

If you’re ready to join me in holding our utility companies accountable, fill out the survey below: