Upstate United: Utility Customers Need Transparency, Not Finger-Pointing

June 5th, 2025

The following statement can be attributed to Justin Wilcox, Executive Director of Upstate United

“Whether it’s the initiatives being implemented to achieve the aggressive goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) or other pieces of legislation that pass costs down to ratepayers through state mandates, policymakers should acknowledge the role they have played in driving these outcomes – instead of relying on the state’s Public Service Commission as a de facto taxing authority for climate policy.

“There are many factors that lead to rate increases and the decisions made by the PSC. One thing that lawmakers could do is address the lack of cost analysis since the CLCPA was passed in 2019. The only year analyzed (2022) by the Department of Public Service revealed double-digit increases because of the CLCPA. Moreover, supply costs have also increased due to higher demand, which is beyond the control of both the PSC and the utilities. Another step they could take to untangle the complexities of a bill is to pass the Ratepayer Transparency Act, which would enable utility customers to see what percentage of their bill is attributable to state policies and mandates.

“While it may be politically convenient to obscure the cost of government mandates buried in a utility bill, what everyday New Yorkers need is a better explanation of the factors driving up the cost of energy supply and delivery. New Yorkers deserve transparency, not finger-pointing.”