NEW YORK IS HAVING AN ENERGY HEART ATTACK

Slater Calls on Governor to Declare Energy State of Emergency as Electricity Costs Spike Statewide

Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) today joined dozens of his colleagues in sending a formal letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul urging her to immediately declare an energy state of emergency in New York, warning that unchecked electricity price spikes are pushing families and small businesses to the breaking point.

Recent data from the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) shows wholesale electricity prices surging to unprecedented levels across every region of the state, with some zones approaching or exceeding $1,000 per megawatt-hour—costs that will inevitably be passed on to consumers.

“This isn’t a warning sign anymore, this is an emergency,” said Slater. “When energy prices spike this fast and this high, families don’t have time to wait. People are opening their utility bills and wondering what they’ll have to give up just to keep the lights on. That’s not sustainable, and it demands immediate action.”

According to NYISO, the volatility is being driven by declining generation capacity, plant retirements, fuel and pipeline constraints and growing demand without adequate base-load replacement, creating a system that is increasingly unstable and unaffordable.

“New York has responded to energy emergencies before, and we can do it again,” Slater said. “In the past, the state moved quickly to add generation and stabilize the grid. Today, we need the same urgency and leadership—because doing nothing means higher bills, less reliability and more families falling behind.”

“Under one-party rule, energy costs have skyrocketed for New York families and businesses as Albany Democrats continue to push their green energy mandates and their march towards the full electrification of the grid. This is being done recklessly without any regard or consideration for affordability, reliability, feasibility, fuel diversity or energy choice. We have reached a full-scale energy emergency, and action must be taken now to provide direct rate relief to New Yorkers and secure the reliability of the grid,” said ranking Minority Conference member of the Assembly Energy Committee, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning).

Slater said he stands ready to work with the governor and state agencies to address the crisis and ensure New York’s energy system is reliable, affordable and prepared for the future.