Read Slater’s letter to Gov. Hochul and Chairman Christian here.

Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) and local elected officials throughout the 94th Assembly District are calling for immediate intervention from Gov. Kathy Hochul and Public Service Commission Chairman Rory M. Christian as Hudson Valley families are receiving utility bills four times higher than the previous month. In a joint letter to the governor and chairman, Slater and local supervisors demanded an immediate reevaluation of New York’s energy policies and stronger consumer protections.

“Hudson Valley residents are being crushed by rapidly increasing utility bills—some have seen their bills quadruple overnight with no explanation or justification,” said Slater. “Gov. Hochul and Chairman Christian must acknowledge this crisis and take swift action. New Yorkers should not be forced to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table.”

Recent reports underscore the mounting pressure on ratepayers, with Con Edison proposing an 11.4% increase for electricity and a 13.3% increase for gas, potentially adding as much as $2,000 annually to consumer bills. Additionally, NYSEG’s “recovery charge” is blindsiding ratepayers with unexpected fees, and electricity supply costs have spiked without warning, leaving families and small businesses struggling to keep up.

In response, Slater has introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at protecting consumers:

1. Notification of supply rate increases: This bill would require utility companies to notify customers when supply costs increase. Additionally, the bill mandates that utility companies post information about available bill assistance programs on their websites, ensuring consumers are informed and can access help when needed.
2. In-person hearings for rate hikes: This legislation would require the Public Service Commission to hold mandatory in-person hearings before approving any rate hikes, ensuring residents have a voice in decisions that impact their financial stability.

“I continue to hear from constituents daily who have been blindsided by outrageous utility bills. This is an economic emergency that cannot be ignored,” Slater added. “Working families and seniors are being crushed under the weight of New York’s affordability crisis. They cannot afford to wait while bureaucrats sit on their hands. Immediate relief is essential.”

Town of Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman said, “Our residents are suffering under the whims of the Public Service Commission when it comes to rate increases. The governor has done very little, if anything, to combat the rising costs. I would personally like to thank Assemblyman Slater for fighting for transparency in regard to these rate hikes. He has always, and continues, to protect the taxpayers of his district. I am proud to have him by my side as we protect the residents of Yorktown and New York state.”

Town of Putnam Valley Supervisor Jacqueline Annabi said, “Rising utility costs are placing a heavy strain on Putnam Valley families and businesses, making it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities. Urgent action is needed to ensure transparency, accountability and relief for ratepayers facing an unsustainable financial burden. We appreciate Assemblyman Matt Slater for holding utility companies accountable and advocating for the public.”

Town of Somers Supervisor Robert Scorrano said, “Skyrocketing utility costs are pushing Hudson Valley families and businesses to the brink, and enough is enough. We need immediate action to rein in these rate hikes and protect hardworking New Yorkers from this growing financial burden.”