“The Governor acknowledged what families across upstate New York already know – National Grid bills are out of control, and the system is failing ratepayers. Recognizing the problem matters, but it doesn’t lower a single utility bill.

For months, I’ve been hearing from constituents who turned down the heat, invested in smart thermostats, replaced windows, doors, and insulation, tightened their budgets, and still saw their bills go up. That’s why I called on State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli to conduct an independent investigation into the sharp rise in utility delivery charges – because when costs rise even as usage goes down, something isn’t right.

Any serious affordability plan must address skyrocketing delivery charges, record-high utility profits, and the lack of independent oversight of large utility companies like National Grid. Families don’t have a choice of providers, and conservation alone can’t protect them from rising fixed costs.

As budget negotiations move forward, real reform – including legislation I’ve introduced, A.9041 to limit rate increases during high-profit years and A.9032 to strengthen oversight of Public Service Commission decisions – must be a top priority.”