State lawmakers are pushing for "truth in billing" as New Yorkers continue to struggle with utility costs.

What You Need To Know

  • New Yorkers pay more on their utility bills than customers in most other states

  • Lawmakers are looking for ways to reduce utility costs

  • They are pushing for transparency and “truth in billing”

New York state has one of the highest costs per kilowatt hour (kWh) of energy in the nation, at just about 24 centers per kWh, well above the national average of about 16 cents.

On Monday, Assemblyman John Lemondes spoke out against costs he says the average New Yorker doesn’t even understand. 

“People are wondering, ‘why on earth is my utility cost for energy skyrocketing? What is doing this? Why is this happening?’” he said.

Most customers will see a supply charge and delivery charge on their bill. The supply charge is the cost of the actual energy, the delivery is the cost of getting the energy to the home, which can include the cost of maintenance and operations.

Some customers may see a system benefits charge, as well. That charge goes to clean energy and public benefit programs across the state, not the customer’s own energy use. 

“Where is this going when you can’t even save enough money to put food in your refrigerator?” Lemondes asked.

While some, like Lemondes, argue bills are still too high, the state says its working to find solutions. In February, Gov. Kathy Hochul called for an end to another proposed rate increase from the New York Power Authority. That increase would have more than doubled energy bills for New Yorkers. The Power Authority said that proposed increase would have been necessary to keep up with maintenance and operational costs.

State Sen. Mark Walczyk also shares these grievances. He has introduced two bills, both with a goal of making energy more affordable for New Yorkers. One of the bills (S7075) would eliminate the system benefits charge on utility bills. 

“The time for empty promises and political posturing is over,” Walczyk said in a statement, “New Yorkers deserve real solutions to make electricity more affordable.”

Lemondes filed a lawsuit earlier this year against rate increases for hydro energy by the Power Authority alongside his public push for truth in billing. His legal team is working to name Hochul in the lawsuit, as well.

This push for action and transparency comes on the heels of Hochul’s call for the Power Authority to build a nuclear facility in upstate New York, which she says would help bring affordable and reliable zero-emission energy to customers across the state.

The New York Power Authority did not immediately return a request for comment.

Anyone in need of help paying their bills should see if they qualify for the state’s HEAP program.