Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) is pushing for the removal of the proposed extension of the utility tax surcharge from the 2013-14 budget, to provide real cost relief for New York’s rate paying businesses and consumers. The 18-a surcharge, which has increased utility bills for every ratepayer in the state, is schedule to expire on March 31, 2014. The governor’s proposed five year extension would cost both businesses and consumers nearly $3 billion.

“Central New York businesses and rate-payers are already paying high energy costs. Allowing this surcharge to expire will enable our families to save more of their hard earned money or use this extra towards other things,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “Further it would enable New York businesses to reduce their costs which in turn would expand our economy and create new jobs.”

Extending the 18-a tax surcharge would cost ratepayers $509 million this year, and each of the following four years. The average consumption figures, according to National Grid, show the impact of the tax extension on a large business is estimated at around $30,000, while the average cost on a small business would be about $540 per year and a household $55 per year, noted Stirpe.

“This surcharge does not do anything to improve our utility delivery system, clean energy, or bring any benefit to the state,” Assemblyman Stirpe said. “Our economy is slowly rebounding from the economic downturn and we should be doing all we can to ensure that we are continuing to move forward and creating further opportunities for both our families and businesses; if we extend this tax it will be a step backwards. I voted against this measure in 2009, when it was first brought up to a vote, and I will continue to fight to eliminate this surcharge.”