Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz stood with NYPIRG, AARP and Assemblyman Harvey Epstein today, calling on Governor Hochul to sign A.2468/ S.6277 into law. This legislation would create the State Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate (UCA) to serve as an independent advocate and appear on behalf of New York consumers in state and federal regulatory proceedings.

Utility companies like Con Edison continue to request increases for utility rates without having pushback from a governing agency that represents utility consumers. As these rate hikes are approved, the overall financial burden increases for New Yorkers, with no relief in sight. In June of 2025, over 1.26 million households had utility bills that were overdue by more than 60 days. These households owed more than $1.9 billion to utility companies collectively, with the top three companies being Con Edison, National Grid and NYSEG. New Yorkers deserve to use their gas and electric utilities without fear of steep bills that they cannot afford.

A.2468/ S.6277 had previously been vetoed by Governor Hochul, stating that the existing Public Service Commission, as well as the Consumer Protection Utility Intervention Unit, act as sufficient representation for consumers. As utility rates continue to rise, these offices are not enough to combat the increased challenges facing consumers. Throughout the country, more than 40 states already have an independent state agency that represents the interests of residential utility customers. New York is one of the few states, and by far the largest, without such an independent office. Data shows that residential consumers in states where these offices have been established have seen billions of dollars of savings when compared to the costs associated with office operations.

With A.2468/ S.6277 in effect, the UCA would be appointed by the Governor, subject to Senate confirmation, and would serve a term of six years. The UCA could not be removed for exercising independent judgment in advocating positions on behalf of residential utility customers, allowing the UCA to act independently without fear of retaliation. Signing this bill into law gives New York utility customers a residential seat at the table, saving them a considerable amount of money when it comes to the utilities they use every day.

Participants urged Governor Hochul to sign this bill into law and give New Yorkers the strong consumer advocate they deserve.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said: “The state is not preventing egregious rate hikes by Con Edison and other utility companies. The reason is simple: no independent entity is fighting solely on behalf of residential utility consumers. New Yorkers are left vulnerable to skyrocketing utility costs without a powerful advocate to intervene.

“Our legislation (A.2468/S.6277) is the only way to ensure that consumers do not continue to be gouged by utility companies. I remain committed to fighting for this critical legislation and urge Governor Hochul to sign this bill into law.”

New York State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton said, "Every day I hear from constituents who are struggling with rising energy costs and worried about how these increases will impact their family's quality of life. At this critical moment, we must level the playing field for consumers by establishing a State Office of Utility Consumer Advocate.

“That is why I am urging the Governor to sign our bill, S6277/A2468, into law. Our legislation will give ratepayers a stronger voice, ensure accountability, and help align New York's utility policies with the real needs of its people. Together, we can protect families, promote fairness, and build a more sustainable future for New York.”

Blair Horner, Senior Policy Advisor, New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) said, "New York ratepayers have suffered for years from having to pay some of the nation's highest electric utility rates.The problem is not the climate law or the expanded use of 'green technologies.'The problem is a lack of adequate consumer representation before regulators.This legislation will establish a powerful ratepayers' advocate that could go toe-to-toe with the immensely powerful interests that for too long have had the rate-setting 'table' to themselves.NYPIRG applauds Assemblymember Dinowitz and Senator Scarcella-Spanton for their leadership on this issue and urges Governor Hochul to help make utility rates more affordable by signing this legislation."

Bill Ferris, NYS Legislative Representative, AARP said, “AARP commends Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton for sponsoring this significant piece of legislation to support residential utility ratepayers. It is abundantly clear that more consumer representation is needed in the Albany boardrooms where energy rates are decided, and to push back against the constant rate hikes imposed by large utility companies across the state. The governor must act and sign this bill into law.”