“New Yorkers have been too vulnerable when it comes to their utility companies, with no recourse for price-gouging and other unfair business practices. New York is the largest state without an independent advocacy office, with such offices already existing in more than 40 states.

“That’s why I helped pass legislation to establish the state Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate (UCA), which would be charged with independently advocating for residents at both the state and federal level (A.180-A).

“Consumers have been left without a voice for too long. By creating the Utility Consumer Advocate, we can help ensure more transparency and oversight of utility companies and provide New Yorkers with the fair representation they deserve.”