ALBANY, N.Y. – AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel and Public Utility Law Project Executive Director and Counsel Laurie Wheelock released this statement today on the need to include energy affordability measures in the final state budget:
The Senate and Assembly demonstrated strong leadership in their one-house proposals by prioritizing substantial investments to make energy more affordable for those in need.
These investments would provide much-needed support for New York’s low-income utility ratepayers, expand eligibility to moderate-income households, offer cooling assistance for the hot summer months, and fund an energy affordability study to guide the implementation our climate laws. Additionally, they would create resources for individuals and community groups who want to participate in Public Service Commission rate cases on behalf of consumers.
As budget negotiations progress, AARP and PULP call on the Governor to stand with the Legislature in ensuring that New Yorkers can cool their homes in the summer and heat them next winter.
The need for action has never been greater. As of February 2025, 1.2 million households were more than 60 days behind on their utility bills, owing close to $1.8 billion. Over 400,000 termination notices were sent for lack of payment, and 9,025 households had their service terminated for non-payment.[1] (See chart below)
New York cannot be called an affordable place to live when more than a million households are making the difficult choice to keep the lights on and stay warm or pay rent and put food on the table.
The Governor and Legislature must ensure a final state budget includes the resources to help New Yorkers afford their ever-rising energy costs. Financial support is needed now more than ever.
[1] See, Collections Activity Reports in 91-M-0744, at https://documents.dps.ny.gov/public/MatterManagement/CaseMaster.aspx?MatterCaseNo=91-M-0744
Connect with AARP New York on X: @AARPNY, Facebook: AARP New York and LinkedIn: AARP New York
Connect with PULP on Facebook: Public Utility Law Project of New York
About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.
About PULP
PULP is New York’s sole independent organization dedicated to empowering and protecting the rights of low income and fixed-income utility consumers. For 40 years, PULP has educated, advocated and litigated on behalf of affordability, consumer protection and universal access to utilities. To learn more, visit www.utilityproject.org, follow @utilityproject on Twitter, or visit PULP at www.facebook.com/utilityproject
New York State Energy Affordability Problem Utility Arrears Data/Feb. 2025
Data Source: NYSDPS-DMM: Matter Master NYS PC Case Number: 91-M-0744
[1] See, Collections Activity Reports in 91-M-0744, at https://documents.dps.ny.gov/public/MatterManagement/CaseMaster.aspx?MatterCaseNo=91-M-0744.
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