Our current major power sources come from oil and gas (fossil fuels) and nuclear power. We know, however, that oil and gas are finite resources, and further, they contribute as pollutants to the environment, emitting greenhouse gases, effecting our land, water and air. It’s clear we need to reduce these emissions.

For decades we’ve researched ways to become less reliant on fossil fuels for our energy needs, while nuclear power has remained. Now, New Yorkers have been asked to subsidize nuclear power through an increase in monthly energy bills. The subsidies allow for a smoother transition for the shutdown of nuclear power plants, which will decrease pollution causing carbon energy, as we move toward renewable energy sources.

Last year, the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) approved the Clean Energy Standard to fight climate change, reduce air pollution and foster the growth of renewable, reliable energy sources. The goal of the program is for 50 percent of our state’s electricity to come from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar by 2030 1.

The initial phase of the Clean Energy Standard requires utilities and other energy suppliers to phase in new renewable power sources. In order to enforce this, energy suppliers need to buy a specific number of Renewable Energy Credits each year to help finance it. As of April 2017, the standard called for all six New York investor-owned utilities and other energy suppliers to pay the value of carbon-free emissions from nuclear plants by purchasing Zero-Emission Credits. The credits help keep nuclear facilities open to ensure a reliable source of carbon-free energy 2. This translates to a consumer increase of about $2 per month, the new charge on your utility bills.

I know that even the smallest change can have an impact on families that are struggling to make ends meet. The PSC and other agencies are working on ways to aide homeowners and encourage landlords to make their buildings more energy efficient in order to reduce the effects of this increase in the average consumer’s bill. In the meantime, we have 12 years to transition our energy sources and our economy to one that is not as dependent on coal, gas or nuclear power. I’m determined to help our region withstand these changes and emerge stronger and healthier. I’ll also work to ensure our hardworking families aren’t continually saddled with rate increases.

1 governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-establishment-clean-energy-standard-mandates-50-percent-renewables

2 Ibid