(BROOKLYN, NY) — Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) joined State Senator Steve Chan and Assemblymembers Lester Chang, Michael Tannousis, and Alec Brook-Krasny to highlight how costly New York State energy policies and mandates are driving up utility bills for families and businesses, while outlining federal efforts to increase domestic energy production, strengthen grid reliability and lower electricity costs. New Yorkers pay approximately 60% more for electricity than the national average, placing a significant financial burden on hardworking families and small businesses. The lawmakers highlighted how state energy mandates, taxes and regulatory decisions are contributing to rising costs, including rate increases approved by the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC), whose members are appointed by the Governor, and the state's closure of the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant that provided 26% of New York City's electricity supply. Over the past five years, the PSC has approved two major multi-year rate plans for Con Edison, further increasing costs for ratepayers. The lawmakers also noted that state and local taxes, fees and surcharges make up roughly one-third of a customer's utility bill. "Brooklyn families and small businesses are being forced to pay more than 60% above the national average because of costly energy mandates, excessive taxes and misguided policies coming out of Albany. While Washington is working to expand American energy production, strengthen our electric grid and deliver more affordable, reliable power, New York State continues to pursue policies that drive costs higher. We need to reverse course, provide relief to ratepayers and ensure families can afford to keep their lights on and heat their homes," said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. "New York pays among the highest rates in the country for utilities, but there are so many solutions that our Governor and the other side of the aisle will not agree to. They keep blaming the federal government, Con Edison, and National Grid, when it is the Democrat policy that is the problem. How come the other 49 states don't have this problem that we do then?" said Senator Steve Chan. “Our neighbors and local businesses need to survive and thrive in this economy. Our Republican team will fight for affordability by repealing congestion pricing, cutting taxes, and lowering service fees on electric bills. We will always fight for you,” said Assemblymember Lester Chang. "The rising utility costs that are driving residents out of New York are the direct result of mandates and taxes imposed by the Governor and Democratic-controlled legislature. Albany’s mandates have consistently increased the cost of living in New York and we need new leadership to put our state on a corrective course. The evidence is clear when the state is sitting on a massive $2.4 billion “Energy Tax” surplus that is waiting to be utilized on whatever pet project the Governor deems fit instead of returning it to the ratepayers," said Assemblyman Michael Tannousis. “Every New Yorker is suffering because of the outrageous cost of our utility bills. It is the socialist leadership in Albany that has created this affordability crisis by rubber-stamping dozens of utility rate hikes and allowing out-of-control delivery costs that burden our residents. The Governor and Democrat majorities in both Houses have refused to authorize safe nuclear energy facilities and instead had no plan after the closing of Indian Point. They refuse to allow hydro-fracking, which would provide an immediate energy source and create job growth, which has worked well in neighboring states. It is time for new leadership in Albany that will work quickly to find alternative energy sources and control our nightmarish and constantly rising utility costs,” said Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny. | 