By Hank Russell
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman announced the launch of a new statewide television advertisement focused on his pledge to cut electricity costs in half for New Yorkers and small businesses.
The ad, which began airing statewide on February 23, directly addresses the affordability crisis gripping households across New York and outlines Blakeman’s plan to reduce taxes, fees, policy mandates, and delivery charges that make up as much as 70% of the average electric bill.
“New Yorkers are being crushed by their utility bills,” said Blakeman campaign spokesperson Madison Spanodemos. “Bruce Blakeman is the only candidate in this race with a bold, clear plan to cut electricity costs in half — and this ad makes that promise directly to voters.”
In the ad, Blakeman highlights how, under Governor Kathy Hochul, utility rates have soared — increasing 36 times — while Albany policies have driven up costs even further.
Under Hochul’s leadership, according to Blakeman:
- The state moved to ban new natural gas connections in new construction, limiting consumer choice and driving up housing and energy costs.
- The administration eliminated the long-standing “100-foot rule,” which had required utilities to cover the cost of connecting new customers to gas lines within 100 feet of existing infrastructure — shifting thousands of dollars in costs onto homeowners and developers.
- Energy mandates and delivery fees have ballooned, with up to 70% of electric bills now made up of taxes, fees, and policy-driven charges.
Blakeman says in the ad that, as governor, he will reverse these policies, restore energy choice, pursue an all-of-the-above energy strategy, and aggressively cut the hidden costs embedded in monthly utility bills.
In related news, The Empire Center for Public Policy recently sent out a press release, which reported that New York has some of the highest electricity prices in th nation. In November, state residents paid an average of 26.39 cents per kilowatt-hour — the eighth-highest in the U.S. dn 49% above the national average. Further, those who used natural gas are paying $17.95 per thousand cubic feet, which is 19th in the nation and 20% above the national average.
“Electricity demand and prices are rising nationwide, but New York is seeing costs climb even faster than other states,” said Zilvinas Silenas, president and CEO of the Empire Center.
The ad launch comes as a new statewide poll of 600 likely voters (February 2–4) shows Hochul to be politically vulnerable:
- Hochul’s job approval stands at 44%, with 48% disapproving.
- In a head-to-head matchup, Hochul leads Blakeman 47% to 34% — but 17% remain undecided, and the poll was conducted before Blakeman became the Republican nominee and while he remains largely unknown statewide.
- Blakeman leads by 14 points among independent voters.
- 20% of Democrats declined to support Hochul in the ballot test.
Most significantly, 81% of voters say their electricity bills are too high, including half who say they are “much too high.” Affordability ranks as the top energy concern for 87% of voters — a five-point shift since last May.
Blakeman also outperforms Hochul among voters most concerned about electricity rates and affordability, and among those who say they want middle-ground leadership rather than ideological extremes.
“This race is about affordability,” the Blakeman campaign said. “When 81% of voters say their electric bills are too high and nearly half of New Yorkers disapprove of the governor’s job performance, that’s a recipe for change.”
“New Yorkers deserve a governor who understands that energy policy isn’t theoretical — it’s what shows up in your mailbox every month,” the campaign added. “Bruce Blakeman will cut electricity costs in half and finally give New Yorkers the relief they deserve.”
Long Island Life & Politics reached out to the Hochul campaign for comment and is waiting to hear back.