New York Needs Utility Rate Reform Now

New York’s utility rates are unsurprisingly among the highest in the nation, and it’s no wonder why. The deck is stacked against utility consumers in the ratemaking process. Utilities spend tens of millions of dollars pushing to raise rates, while consumers lack strong, independent representation in decisions that impact the reliability and affordability of their utilities.

We believe meaningful utility reform is possible if the state government acts.

Key solutions include:

Establishing an intervenor funding account to better support representation on behalf of residential ratepayers.
Boosting funding for energy affordability programs to help households in need pay their energy bills.
Strengthening shut-off protections for medically vulnerable New Yorkers, preventing utility companies from terminating service for those who rely on life-supporting equipment.
Insisting utility companies return any and all excess profits to consumers that they bring in beyond the maximum Return on Equity approved by the New York State Public Service Commission.

Please take a moment to urge Governor Hochul to stand up for residential ratepayers and take action to address the utility affordability crisis in our state.

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Dear Governor Hochul,

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First, I am deeply disappointed that you vetoed bill A.2468, which would have given utility consumers like me an independent advocate fighting against unfair rate increases.

This was an enormous missed opportunity on your part to help level the playing field in the ratemaking process that is stacked against residential ratepayers here in New York.

Since you chose to veto that legislation, I urge you to demonstrate leadership in addressing the utility affordability crisis in New York during the upcoming legislative session by advancing solutions to protect struggling ratepayers. Specifically, I urge you to:

•Establish an intervenor funding account to strengthen representation for residential ratepayers.
•Allocate $200 million for energy affordability programs to help households in need pay their energy bills.
•Strengthen shut-off protections for medically vulnerable New Yorkers, preventing utility companies from terminating service for those who rely on life-support equipment.
• Ensure that utility companies return all excess profits to consumers that they have collected beyond the maximum Return on Equity approved by the New York State Public Service Commission.

Every year, utility rates rise—and the increases feel steeper than ever. With over a million households at least two months behind on their utility bills, it is clearly becoming harder for families to sustain these costs.

We need your leadership to address the utility affordability crisis in New York.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]
[Your Address]

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