New Yorkers are facing an affordability crisis driven by soaring energy bills, rising delivery charges, and increasing state-imposed mandates. Families, seniors on fixed incomes, and small businesses are being squeezed from every direction. We cannot ignore this any longer.

We call on Governor Kathy Hochul, Speaker Carl Heastie, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and our legislative colleagues to immediately declare an Energy Cost State of Emergency and take decisive action to relieve ratepayers.

New York’s current energy policies and program structures are driving significant increases in utility bills — particularly through delivery charges that conceal payments to state agencies and programs. While the goals of environmental progress are important, they must not come at the expense of affordability and economic survival.

We demand the following immediate actions:

 
1. Declare an Energy Cost State of Emergency
Recognize the scale and urgency of the financial burden facing residents and small businesses across the state.

 
2. Abandon rigid CLCPA mandates that are driving near-term cost spikes
Stop implementation requirements that force rapid compliance without adequate cost protections or infrastructure readiness.

 
3. Stop payments to state energy agencies embedded in delivery charges
End or suspend mandatory ratepayer-funded transfers to the New York Power Authority, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and other agencies that are currently funded through hidden line items in utility delivery bills.

Ratepayers deserve transparency. If programs are worthwhile, they should be funded openly through the state budget — not buried in monthly utility bills.

 
4. Pause state taxes and surcharges on utility bills
Immediately suspend state-imposed taxes and fees on electricity and gas bills to provide direct, measurable relief.

 
5. Issue universal bill credits using unused Clean Energy Funds
Direct utilities to return previously collected but unused Clean Energy Funds to ratepayers through automatic bill credits.

If money has already been collected from households and not spent, it belongs back in the hands of the people who paid it.

 
6. Use RGGI proceeds to fund programs — not additional ratepayer charges
Redirect additional proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to support state climate programs instead of layering new costs onto utility customers.

Environmental funding should not rely disproportionately on captive ratepayers.

 
7. Return excess utility profits to ratepayers
Require that any utility revenue exceeding an approved Return on Equity be returned directly to customers in the form of bill credits.

If ratepayers are forced to absorb rising costs, they should not also subsidize excess corporate earnings.

 
New York can pursue environmental goals and protect affordability at the same time. But that requires balance, transparency, and accountability.

Energy is not a luxury — it is a necessity. No family should have to choose between heating their home and buying groceries. No small business should close its doors because of unaffordable delivery charges.

We urge state leadership to act immediately.

Declare an Energy Cost State of Emergency.
Protect ratepayers.
Restore transparency.
Put affordability first.

Sign this petition to demand urgent action for New York families and businesses.