New York State Senator Joseph Griffo is advocating for a series of bills aimed at addressing the rise in energy costs following recent and proposed rate increases by utility companies such as National Grid and NYSEG. The push comes after the Public Service Commission approved higher rates for National Grid customers, while NYSEG has also requested similar increases.
Senator Griffo, a Republican representing Rome, has consistently opposed utility rate hikes. He and members of the Senate Republican Conference argue that rapid changes to the state’s energy grid—required under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA)—are driving up costs for residents. They point to aggressive deadlines and emissions targets set by the CLCPA as a source of pressure on both utilities and consumers.
State Comptroller Tom Dinapoli has highlighted concerns about planning for these climate goals, noting that even conservative estimates put the cost at $340 billion—a burden expected to be carried by ratepayers across New York (https://www.osc.state.ny.us/press/releases/2023/03/dinapoli-new-york-must-improve-planning-meet-climate-goals).
“Energy costs are a major problem for residents across the state,” Sen. Griffo said. “There are many driving factors that have contributed to this expensive situation: The governor and Democratic majorities in the legislature pushing for unrealistic and unreasonable energy policies; utility companies and how they undertake certain initiatives such as smart meters; onerous government regulations and high taxes; and a lack of adequate infrastructure for the generation and transmission of energy. As the former chair of the Senate’s Energy Committee, I appreciate and understand the need to embrace clean energy. However, as I have said in the past, we need a diversified energy portfolio and policies that do not further burden residents, families, businesses and communities.”
The legislative package backed by Griffo includes measures intended to increase statewide energy production, pause or revise green energy mandates from state leadership, and provide more transparency regarding costs associated with CLCPA compliance.
Among these bills:
– S.5436 would prevent closure of power plants unless equivalent renewable sources are operational.
– S.1031 calls for an assessment of CLCPA-related costs per ratepayer along with credits to offset those expenses.
– S.1167 proposes repealing requirements mandating all-electric systems in new buildings.
– S.1178 seeks tax credits for expanding gas infrastructure in rural areas.
– S1927 would create a commission focused on reopening Indian Point Energy Center—a nuclear facility closed in recent years—and classify nuclear as a renewable resource.
– S.2712 requires cost analysis of CLCPA impacts while delaying emission mandates by ten years.
– S3652 would block electric vehicle mandates, preserving consumer choice over vehicle type.
– S.5515 directs utilities to disclose on bills what portion is due to CLCPA implementation.
“Many in New York are struggling with burdensome energy costs and other financial challenges that make it difficult for them to get ahead and live here,” Sen. Griffo said. “The state’s ambitious energy goals and standards, which include unaffordable mandates and unrealistic and unreasonable deadlines, is not helping matters and is hurting ratepayers, families, seniors, business owners and communities. It is simple: New Yorkers need relief. This package of legislation will help to provide that to them by combating rising energy costs and making our state more affordable, which will help to stop the mass exodus from New York.”
