Both Republicans and Democrats in New York’s legislature recognize the rising cost of electricity as a critical issue but differ on solutions. Since 2020, the average price of electricity has surged from 17.3 cents to 25.67 cents per kilowatt-hour, making New York the sixth-highest state for electricity prices in the mainland U.S. Soon-to-be-reported figures indicate that residential users in March 2025 faced costs around $0.25 per kWh, while industrial rates were at $0.095 per kWh, significantly higher than national averages.
State Senator Rob Rolison has proposed legislative measures aimed at alleviating the burden on utility ratepayers. His bill, S.8463, suggests a one-year holiday on utility taxes and surcharges, and a two-year exemption on taxes for green energy initiatives. He argues that these measures could provide essential financial relief, as government fees constitute roughly 20% of utility bills.
Several other bills have also been introduced this session to tackle the high electricity costs and to enhance consumer protections against rate increases. These include proposals for establishing emergency heating assistance, imposing caps on rate increases, requiring public hearings before utility charges can rise, and ensuring transparent communication regarding rate hikes and assistance programs.
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced enhancements to the Energy Affordability Program, aiming to assist low-income families. This includes measures ensuring that eligible participants will not spend more than 6% of their income on electricity and providing over $1 billion in arrears forgiveness for unpaid utility bills.
The collective efforts from various legislators and the governor’s office highlight a unified front towards addressing the financial strain caused by elevated power costs. With awareness growing, there may be a more cohesive approach to tackle this issue and provide essential relief to New Yorkers.