In an effort to reduce energy costs for small businesses, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam) announced that legislation he introduced to establish a Small Business Energy Assistance and Advocacy Services Program has passed the Assembly (A.6640-B).

“Small businesses are often hardest hit by skyrocketing energy prices but don’t have the resources to make cost-saving energy efficiency upgrades,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara. “This legislation will help small businesses succeed by cutting overhead costs through energy-saving improvements so they can grow and create jobs.”

The Small Business Energy Assistance and Advocacy Services Program would be created within the NYS Department of Economic Development’s Division for Small Business, to provide assistance to small-business owners who are looking for energy-saving alternatives and programs that benefit small businesses.

In addition to helping lower energy costs, the program would also serve as the representative for small businesses across the state in Public Service Commission rate cases, advocating on behalf of small-business owners affected by price changes.

“As a small-business owner, I work every day to grow and improve my business,” said Ms. Giuseppina Mancino, owner of Napoli Bakery in Schenectady. “Assemblyman Santabarbara’s legislation would help me make vital improvements to lower my energy costs, saving my business money and reducing our footprint on the environment.”

“Energy is a serious cost for my business. Anything that can help the bottom line with a small business is very important and I support Assemblyman Santabarbara’s efforts in this area," said Hank Dunn, owner of Turnpike Tresses in Duanesburg.

As a part of his ongoing commitment to help small businesses thrive, Assemblyman Santabarbara also helped pass a state budget that cut an energy tax on residents and businesses, saving $600 million over three years.