Senator Tom O’Mara is calling on Governor Kathy Hochul and state regulators to reject a proposed utility rate hike and give counties more control over new energy mandates, saying New Yorkers are getting crushed by rising costs and poor planning.
In his latest weekly column, O’Mara criticized New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) for requesting another round of rate increases—just two years after the state approved a 31% hike for most residential customers.
Now, NYSEG is asking for a 23.7% increase in electric rates, which O’Mara says could cost average households more than $800 a year. “It’s ridiculous,” he wrote, adding that his office has heard from more than 500 constituents upset about soaring utility bills.
“As a regulated monopoly, NYSEG benefits from a guaranteed customer base and is already operating at a profit,” read a joint letter from O’Mara and other lawmakers. “There is no justification for forcing ratepayers… to bear even higher costs without commensurate improvements in service.”
O’Mara also urged constituents to speak out directly by submitting comments to the state Public Service Commission (PSC) through its website.
Pushback on the all-electric building mandate
Alongside the rate hike, O’Mara and fellow Senate Republicans are asking the governor to let counties opt out of the state’s upcoming “All Electric Building Act.” The law, set to take effect in early 2026, bans the use of natural gas, propane, and oil in new buildings.
O’Mara warned the mandate could hike construction costs, overburden the power grid, and eliminate consumer choice—all while increasing uncertainty for workers and builders.
“New Yorkers deserve… affordable and reliable energy,” the letter stated. “Workers need to know their careers are protected… and our state’s construction industry needs to know… the state is providing realistic solutions and reasonable time frames.”
Energy plan under review
O’Mara also pointed to the state’s new Draft 2025 Energy Plan, which is currently open for public comment. He urged residents to participate in the process and push back against what he described as an aggressive and unrealistic energy agenda.
“We have repeatedly warned that New York State’s go-it-alone climate agenda is going too far and too fast,” he wrote. “It’s becoming increasingly clear that the Albany Democrat majority strategy… is not affordable, feasible, or realistic under its current timelines.”
Public comments on the energy plan will be accepted through October 6.
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