By Hank Russell
A recent poll from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) New York chapter found that a majority of senior citizens on Long Island are struggling to pay their electric bills and that their local elected officials aren’t doing enough to tackle the problem.
According to the poll, more than three in four seniors — 76% — say politicians need to do more to lower utility costs. “Long Islanders want action,” said Kristen McManus, AARP New York Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy. “Rising energy costs are putting older New Yorkers and families under tremendous strain, and they’re counting on state leaders to step up. The governor and [the state] legislature must use this budget to rein in utility costs and make New York more affordable.”
Rising costs for utilities has become a major issue as of late when, as reported by Long Island Life & Politics, a memo from the New York State Energy and Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) stated that complying with the Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act (CLCPA) mandates could cost New York City residents an average of $2,340 and upstate New York residents between $4,152 and $4,280. In addition, utility costs could increase by as much as 46%, and delivery costs could shoot up by more than 60%.
In a surprising turnaround, LILP reported, Governor Kathy Hochul said that she would like the state legislature to hit pause on setting the deadline for the state’s climate mandate, saying it would be costly and unrealistic. The deadline was set for 2030.
The poll also found that:
- 87% are concerned that utility costs will continue to rise
- 76% of utility bill payers say state officials are not doing enough
- 58% kept their home at uncomfortable temperatures to save money
- 44% cut back on basic expenses such as groceries, personal care, and transportation
- 21% borrowed money or took on debt
- 19% paid other bills late
- 16% cut back on medical expenses, including prescription medications
AARP New York made the following recommendations to provide short-term utility bill relief, as well as long-term reforms to ensure the Public Services Commission ratemaking process better serves residential ratepayers.
- Establish and fund an independent utility consumer advocate office ($2.1 million) and an intervenor funding program ($1 million) to level the playing field for residential ratepayers in rate cases.
- Invest in programs that reduce energy bills ($200 million) and in EmPower+ ($200 million) to expand access and drive down costs for low- and moderate-income households.
- Require utilities to return excess earnings to ratepayers through bill credits when they exceed their authorized return on equity.
- Strengthen utility termination protections for vulnerable households, including tenants of multiple dwellings and individuals with medical needs.
- Install a strong, independent affordability monitor at utilities to identify avoidable cost drivers and require corrective action when energy burdens exceed 6%.
- Create an Energy Rebate Program that would provide immediate relief to those currently struggling to pay their utility bills.
- Establish and fund a Blue Ribbon Commission to study the causes of rising utility rates and recommend solutions to reduce energy costs long-term.
In response to the poll results, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who is running against Hochul for governor, said they reveal a “winter of despair” for older New Yorkers and prove Hochul’s energy policies are driving seniors into poverty.
“Enough is enough — no senior in New York should ever have to choose between staying warm and staying alive because of their governor,” Blakeman said. “Yet that’s exactly what’s happening under Kathy Hochul. Seniors are skipping life-saving medication just to keep the lights on.”
“Hochul has pushed through rate hike after rate hike and forced families to foot the bill for her extreme energy agenda,” Blakeman continued. “Just open your electric bill — up to 70% of it is taxes and fees. It’s wrong, and it’s got to end. When I’m governor, I’ll stop this insanity, reverse Hochul’s failed policies, and cut your utility bills in half.”
Ken Lovett, Hochul’s Senior Communications Advisor on Energy and Environment, said the governor has introduced a legislative package that would keep utility costs down.
“While Republicans in Washington continue to push policies that drive up costs across the board, Governor Hochul has prioritized affordability and is working to hold the line on utility costs across the state.” Lovett said. “That’s why, in addition to seeking changes to the state’s climate law to prevent costs from rising, the Governor’s State Budget proposal includes a Ratepayer Protection Plan that will hold utilities more accountable, put an end to hidden fees, rein in executive salaries and make it easier for those who need them to access state Energy Affordability Programs.”