Upstate United: Despite Calls for Utility Affordability, Prices Continue to Rise for New York Customers

July 22nd, 2025

“Albany leaders are quick to denounce rising utility bills, yet they continue to push policies that quietly saddle New York ratepayers with billions in additional energy costs. Last week, the Public Service Commission unanimously voted to expand a utility discount program, which does nothing to reduce the actual cost of delivering energy. Instead, it shifts those growing costs onto a shrinking base of ratepayers. That’s not relief – that’s a shell game. Discounting energy costs for some by charging others more only accelerates the cycle, driving up costs further and forcing more families to rely on subsidies. The announcement to expand the utility discount program cannot and should not be viewed in isolation. It comes on the heels of state approval to add $5.4 billion to fund energy efficiency and building electrification programs through utility bills is simply unaffordable and unsustainable for everyday New Yorkers. It is also the worst possible message to send to energy-intensive businesses considering whether to grow or stay in the state,” said Justin Wilcox, Executive Director of Upstate United.

A 2023 analysis by the Department of Public Service showed that New York has already approved over $40 billion in costs related to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). In 2022 alone, $1.2 billion in costs associated with the Act led to double-digit increases. The costs since then are unknown because reports from 2023 and 2024 have not been produced.