Upstate United Responds to Senate Press Conference on Utilities

February 4th, 2026

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

“At a time when many of our state leaders, representatives, and stakeholders have started to recognize the major factors contributing to skyrocketing utility bills, it is incredibly frustrating that some of the very legislators who sponsored and passed the CLCPA in 2019 continue to point fingers elsewhere. Whether it’s analysis from the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), the Public Service Commission (PSC), or the state’s own energy plan, we know that supply, delivery, and the hidden costs imposed by mandates are making bills less affordable.

“While utility companies or the PSC make convenient targets, they are not choosing to raise bills; they are following laws written by the Legislature. What New Yorkers need when it comes to their energy bills is complete transparency and accountability, including an accounting of the billions of dollars imposed on them by government mandates. Until then, we can expect policymakers to continue to deflect while their constituent’s utility costs rise.”