BROOKLYN — STATE SENATOR KEVIN PARKER announced a legislative package aimed at modernizing utility regulations and safeguarding ratepayers across New York, addressing the state’s ongoing affordability crisis. As chair of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, Parker is leading the push to hold utility companies accountable while ensuring fair and affordable access to essential services.
“The affordability of utilities is not a luxury; it’s a basic right,” said Parker. “This package ensures no New Yorker is left behind and holds utility companies accountable for their failures.”
The package includes bills to limit the practice of “estimated billing” and force companies to go strictly by the meter, strengthen storm response compliance, establish affordable payment plans and cap fixed residential charges. It also mandates economic impact reviews for rate hikes and improves protections during utility investigations, as well as automatically re-enrolling low-income households in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
With Senate approval secured, Parker is focused on advancing the legislation through the Assembly and onto the Governor’s desk.
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