Krueger and Simon call for NY HEAT Act in response to Con Ed rate hike

February 12, 2025 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon speaks at the community town hall meeting in Park Slope. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann

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ALBANY — STATE SENATOR LIZ KRUEGER and Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon on Tuesday urged the passage of the NY HEAT Act, following a letter sent by Governor Kathy Hochul to the Public Service Commission opposing a proposed Con Edison rate hike.

“We are glad to see Governor Hochul taking Con Ed’s most recent rate hike proposal seriously,” the lawmakers said. “Con Ed’s rate hike proposal is a perfect example of why NY HEAT is needed.”

“Con Ed’s proposal includes almost $1 billion of spending every year to repair aging, century-old gas infrastructure and expand the utility gas system. Those costs are paid entirely by ratepayers, and they only serve to trap us more tightly into an unaffordable and dirty status quo, instead of making smarter, more cost-effective investments in alternatives.”

The NY HEAT Act aims to curb gas infrastructure expansion, lower utility costs and transition households away from expensive methane gas. If passed, the bill could save 25% of New York households an average of $136 per month.

Statewide utility rate hikes have increased energy bills by 36% in recent years, with more increases expected. Advocates say passing the act would prevent wasteful spending on aging gas pipelines and help stabilize costs.

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