State Senate Republicans are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to include utility cost relief measures in the final state budget.
Sen. Tom O’Mara and members of the conference called for action to address rising energy costs for ratepayers.
Lawmakers proposed using unspent funds to provide nearly $3 billion in credits to utility customers.
They also backed a plan to create a one-year utility bill tax and surcharge holiday, along with a two-year gas tax holiday tied to green energy costs.
“Since you became Governor in 2021, $88.7 billion has been invested in clean energy programs with the funding mainly paid by ratepayers on their utility bills,” the conference wrote in a letter to the governor.
O’Mara said ratepayers have faced significant cost increases and called for immediate relief.
“It’s irresponsible for New York State to go on asking ratepayers to bear the burden of what’s become a questionable climate agenda,” O’Mara said.
The proposals follow a recent memo warning of potential utility cost increases tied to state climate mandates.
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