ALBANY, New York — A pitch from Assembly Democrats to shake up New York’s energy markets highlights the debate over who is responsible for rising bills.
The sweeping plan has support from some consumer advocates, and even key industry groups say they welcome the scrutiny of energy costs but raised concerns about certain proposals like seizing generator profits or freezing utility rates.
“There’s been a huge energy affordability and utility crisis going on,” said Assembly Energy Chair Didi Barrett. “The reality is that the rate system we operate out of now is based in the days of expansion and rural electrification.”
Barrett acknowledged that the Assembly’s proposal is “aspirational.” Given the focus in budget negotiations on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s efforts to roll back the state’s climate law, it isn’t clear whether any significant changes to address the current major utility bill drivers will make it into the final deal.
