Senator Walczyk introduces bills aimed to lower energy bills for New Yorkers

ALBANY, NY- A North Country state lawmaker has introduced a pair of bills aimed to help lower energy costs for New Yorkers.

"The time for empty promises and political posturing is over. New Yorkers deserve real solutions to make electricity more affordable," said Senator Mark Walczyk (NY-49).

His first proposal eliminates the Systems Benefits Charge, while the second measure mandates that any legislation impacting utility rates must have a fiscal note detailing the estimated annual cost to ratepayers.

This requirement will enhance accountability, empowering both legislators and citizens to fully understand the financial ramifications of proposed changes.

According to Walczyk’s office, New York households face an electricity rate of 24.37¢ per kWh, a number that ranks New York 44th in the country.

While introducing these proposals, Senator Walczyk is also calling on Governor Hochul to veto a bill that would repeal the 100-foot rule, would make natural gas hookups more expensive and spike all natural gas users' bills.

In the meantime, Governor Kathy Hochul has called for a nuclear energy facility to be constructed somewhere in “upstate” New York, though an exact location has yet to be revealed.

Image via the office of New York State Senator Mark Walczyk.