Upstate United: NY’s Energy Affordability Program Doesn’t Address Underlying Affordability Crisis 

September 15th, 2026

The following statement is attributed to Justin Wilcox, Executive Director of Upstate United.

“With the governor renewing calls for more New Yorkers to enroll in the Energy Affordability Program, it is important for New Yorkers to understand that these discounts are ultimately paid for by other ratepayers struggling with rising utility bills themselves. The more people who enroll in this program, the more other ratepayers will be required to pay – that is how the program was designed. 

“Assistance programs that are vital to protecting our most vulnerable New Yorkers should be funded transparently through the State budget, not created administratively through the Public Service Commission and paid off with hidden charges on utility bills.

“Shifting costs from one group of customers to another does not address New York State’s underlying affordability crisis. Instead, the state should take immediate action to lower energy costs for all New Yorkers by reducing or eliminating the significant impact the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) has on wholesale electricity prices.”