Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, D-Rotterdam, announced Thursday that legislation he introduced in his ongoing effort to reduce energy costs for small businesses (A.2521-A) has passed the Assembly.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they can be severely affected by skyrocketing energy prices,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara. “After last year’s brutal winter, I heard from many businesses about the trouble they had keeping up with rising energy costs month after month, and many just don’t have the resources to make the cost-saving energy efficiency upgrades they need. I sponsored this legislation to provide a clearinghouse for resources and information available to small business owners who are looking to cut costs through energy-saving improvements.”

The legislation establishes the Small Business Energy Assistance and Advocacy Services Program, which would be created within the New York State Department of Economic Development’s Division for Small Business and can offer assistance to small business owners who are looking for energy-saving alternatives and other beneficial programs.

“This program provides small business owners with a one-stop shop for energy-saving information and assistance to save money and go green,” Santabarbara added. “By connecting our businesses owners with these vital resources, we are helping them succeed and create local jobs, and boosting our economy.”

The Division for Small Business would also serve as a voice for small businesses across the state in Public Service Commission rate cases, streamlining the process with filing complaints on behalf of small business owners affected by price changes. This increased advocacy will reduce an over-burdensome complaint process that can often sidetrack small business owners.