Assemblyman Chris Friend (R,C-Big Flats) supports an initiative introduced by Assembly Minority aimed at reducing energy costs and restoring reliability for families and businesses across New York.

Friend said the numbers tell a troubling story. Since 2019, residential electricity prices in New York have risen 47.1%, placing increased strain on homeowners, farmers and small businesses throughout the Southern Tier. Recent winter market spikes are expected to further drive up utility bills in the months ahead. At the same time, the New York Independent System Operator has warned of near-term grid reliability risks as dependable power plants are retired faster than replacement generation is brought online.

Friend pointed to the accelerated mandates contained in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act as a major factor contributing to higher costs and tighter supply margins, arguing the transition must be managed responsibly to avoid destabilizing the grid.

The proposed legislation would provide immediate assistance to ratepayers through income-based rebate checks of up to $400 and by returning surplus funds from NYSERDA’s Climate Investment Account directly to utility customers as bill credits. Those funds, collected through energy surcharges under the Public Service Commission’s Clean Energy Fund, are estimated to total $2.4 billion. The proposal also requires utilities to provide advance notice of significant supply rate increases and inform customers about available bill assistance programs.

Beyond short-term relief, Friend emphasized the importance of strengthening domestic energy production and modernizing existing infrastructure. He supports an all-of-the-above approach that includes natural gas, nuclear energy, renewables and emerging technologies, along with strategic upgrades to existing facilities to improve efficiency and reliability.

“Upstate families cannot absorb endless cost increases driven by policies that move faster than our infrastructure can handle. We need an energy policy that is practical, affordable and reliable, one that protects ratepayers while maintaining a stable grid. New Yorkers deserve a choice; they don’t deserve further financial turmoil,” said Friend.