New York lawmaker seeks moratorium on home energy bill increases – Spectrum News

Democratic Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara is calling for a moratroium on home energy bill increases in New York state amid spiking gas and electric rates this past winter. 

The measure announced Wednesday would put a pause in increases for gas and electric prices for consumers for the next four years for utilities that have received a rate plan approve by the New York State Public Service Commission in 2021. 

A two-year freeze on rate increases would be put into effect for all other companies.  

“As families are still recovering from increased heating expenses this past winter, rising home utility costs are a top concern that must be addressed,” Santabarbara said. This legislation will prevent companies from increasing utility prices on households during this period of economic recovery.”

One million energy customers in New York owe arrears of more than $1.2 billion to utility companies as of December. That number has likely increased since then. 

A Siena College poll released in February found home energy costs are a concern for 76% of New York state residents. 

Original Source: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/ny-state-of-politics/2022/04/27/new-york-lawmaker-seeks-moratorium-on-home-energy-bill-increases