SLATER SOUNDS ALARM ON ENERGY COST CRISIS, ADVANCES ‘LOWER PLAN’ TO DELIVER RELIEF

Assemblyman Matt Slater was joined by local leaders and residents to highlight the growing burden of rising utility costs and outline solutions through the Assembly Republican “LOWER Plan”—Lights On With Energy Relief.

The press conference brought together Nassau County Executive and candidate for New York State Governor Bruce Blakeman, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne and several local officials to address what Slater described as a worsening energy affordability crisis impacting families across New York. 

“New York is experiencing an energy crisis, and families are being hit with unsustainable utility bills,” said Slater. “Across the Hudson Valley, I’m hearing from residents facing monthly bills in the thousands of dollars. This is simply not sustainable.”

Slater pointed to rising electricity costs and a shrinking supply of reliable power as key drivers behind the surge in utility bills, noting that prices have climbed significantly in recent years while demand continues to grow. He also highlighted the impact of recent winter storms, which drove up energy prices and left many families struggling to keep up with their bills.

“Under Kathy Hochul, New York has become the most expensive state in the nation to keep the lights on,” said Blakeman. “She has overseen 36 utility rate hikes while pushing mandates that produce little energy but massive costs. While families are choosing between buying groceries and paying for heat, Hochul’s administration is sitting on a $2 billion mountain of your money.”

Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne said “According to an American Legislative Exchange Council report, New York is ranked 7th highest in energy prices in the nation. When you have an affordability crisis, one of the biggest drivers is energy. We have done our part on a county level to try and provide tax relief  but the real game changing solutions need to come from the Executive Chamber up in Albany and right now we are not getting that.”

Slater emphasized that the state must act urgently, criticizing delays in Albany and calling for immediate relief for ratepayers. Earlier this year, he joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers urging the governor to declare an energy state of emergency.

“New Yorkers don’t need excuses—they need action,” Slater said. “We have a plan to lower costs, increase transparency and ensure reliable energy for the future.”

The LOWER Plan would provide direct financial relief to New Yorkers, return surplus energy funds to ratepayers as bill credits and improve transparency around utility pricing, while advancing a broader strategy to expand energy production and stabilize the grid.

“Over the past several years we have seen utility prices skyrocket. The climate leadership and community protection act implemented in 2019, set ambitious mandates but without sufficient affordability analysis or a clear, practical roadmap for everyday New Yorkers. As a result, families are now facing the consequences through rising monthly bills,” said Stephanie Azadian, a resident of Somers. “Assemblyman Matt Slater has been on the front lines of this issue. He has been outspoken by calling out the affordability crisis, pushing for immediate relief for residents and working to return money back to ratepayers. I want to thank Assemblyman Slater for his continued hard work and dedication in fighting for his constituents and residents of New York.”

Slater concluded by stressing the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action.

“The warning signs are clear, and families cannot afford to wait,” Slater said. “We have solutions on the table—now it’s time for Albany to act and deliver the relief New Yorkers deserve.”