Today, Assemblyman Brian Curran (Lynbrook-21st A.D.) expressed his displeasure with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) for deciding to increase the amount it charges. Under the 2024 budget for LIPA, the average customer will see an increase of around $20 per monthly bill. Curran argues the rate increases could have been avoided.

“I am disappointed but not surprised LIPA would decide to raise its rates, a combination of inflation due to reckless spending as well as poor appointments to the board from Gov. Hochul has created a scenario where Long Islanders will be forced to spend more of their hard-earned money on simply heating their homes. Similar to Liberty Water and PSEG, LIPA has pointed to the partial need for a rate increase to comply with new, required green initiatives being passed by Washington and Albany. This is in addition to the rising costs we are seeing across other industries. With household budgets shrinking due to inflation and the increased cost of living, middle-class families on Long Island should not be hit with utility rate increase after increase, further depleting their family funds. No wonder families are at their wits' end. With the legislative session beginning soon, I am looking forward to working to right these wrongs to make life easier and less expensive for Nassau County families,” said Curran.