Latest news with #DepartmentofPublicService
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Vermont to get $22 million for Solar for All program
MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – Vermont's Department of Public Service announced new funding Tuesday for affordable housing developers to provide energy with solar panels. The $22.34 million award is more than a third of Vermont's grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is part of the federal Solar for All program. The program was created with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollution, as well as of reducing the cost of solar energy for lower-income households. The Vermont Housing Finance Agency, or VHFA, will be in charge of distributing the grant to developers who will install solar arrays either on rooftops or at ground-level. 'Currently, towns with the highest energy burden in Vermont have the least amount of installed solar,' said Department of Public Service commissioner Kerrick Johnson. 'That's why the primary objective of this program is to deliver benefits to disadvantaged Vermonters, regardless of their dwelling status.' The program also includes the RAISE program, which will allow low-income Vermonters to save money by installing solar panels on their houses. 'VHFA is excited to participate in this historic program,' said VHFA Executive Director Maura Collins. 'Solar power will also help affordable housing developers become part of the climate solution by offsetting the increased costs associated with heating with electricity.' VHFA will hold outreach sessions with developers and other community members over the coming months. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tariff report: Energy costs to rise in New York
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — State agencies reviewed federal energy tariffs that risk raising New York's utility bills while driving down reliability. Officials from the Department of Public Service, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services released a report that looked at costs, supply issues, and energy options in light of President Donald Trump's tariff plans. On March 10, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote to DPS, NYSERDA, and DHSES, giving them seven days for an initial analysis on new tariffs set by the White House, followed by a full report. So, in their new report released on Thursday, those agencies examined how a 10% tariff on natural gas, heating oil, propane, diesel, and gasoline, and a potential increase to 25% on electricity could hit wallets. More Local News The report—available to read at the bottom of this story—estimated near-term cost hikes based on past import data. For example, the tariffs could raise New Yorkers' electricity costs by anywhere from $42 million to $105 million each year. Heating oil costs could rise by about $57 million a year, diesel by $48 million, gasoline by $26 million, propane by $16 million, and natural gas by $4.4 million. Despite the large numbers, the agencies said the increases could be relatively modest because New York's own strict policies succeed in slowing down the negative effects. But while state investments in clean energy and transmission projects could soften the blow, more tariffs on other materials used in power projects—like steel and aluminum—would force bills up either way. NY Senate Republicans propose tax cuts, credits to combat unaffordability The report found that, while many natural gas providers can switch suppliers, others depend on energy imported from Canada. Liberty Gas—fueling some 15,000 households and businesses in the North Country—and the city of Plattsburgh's 5,400 residents would face major supply issues. If American tariffs inspire Canada to cut energy shipments to New York, the report said that, in those examples, there's no easy fix. Without alternative pipeline connections to the wider state network, local systems lack the infrastructure, fleet capacity, and personnel necessary to bridge the gap to replace Canadian supply. Court approves cap on New York legislators' outside income New York's Energy Affordability Policy aims to cap household energy costs at 6% of income. Ratepayers in New York pay into an earmarked fund for this program, which also uses federal LIHEAP money. This is how the state discounts energy for low-income households, but any rise in energy costs—including from tariffs—would mean that taxpayers have to pay more for those discounts. The report calls for more transparency so New Yorkers understand what they're paying for and why. Some natural gas suppliers already plan to add a line item to their bills to highlight the impact of federal tariffs. DPS is also creating a public portal online to track the numbers and any extra charges. New Yorkers float expanded tax credits or voucher programs to address homelessness In a worst-case service disruption scenario, the costs would balloon further. That's because the state would have to foot the bill for even more mitigation efforts, like warming and cooling centers. So, the report also reviewed state emergency plans, including potential waivers for truck, rail, or water shipments in case fuel delays worsen. Should Canada retaliate by blocking energy exports—especially during peak hot and cold seasons—New York would need to look elsewhere, and to run local natural gas plants more often. With tariffs sparking so many new direct and indirect costs, the report urged officials to plan for this possibility by examining all backup options and coordinating with other states. Fiscal Policy Institute warns CDPAP plan could force New Yorkers off of better insurance Take a look at the report below: B024B095-0000-C014-8501-51B533D15B9DDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Con Edison proposes double-digit rate hikes for electricity and gas
NEW YORK (PIX11) — Your electricity and natural gas bills may be increasing as Con Edison has proposed double-digit rate hikes for both. Now- the governor is stepping in calling for the state to dismiss the proposal. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State The utility company's proposed hikes include 11.4 percent for electricity and 13.3 percent for natural gas. On Tuesday, Governor Hochul spoke on the rate hikes. She said she is directing the state's Department of Public Service to reject the increases and begin an audit of statewide utility management compensation. 'Shocking. And this is a real hit on families. They didn't budget for this,' said Hochul. 'A lot of people are saying, 'Why am I paying this when they're getting paid this much from that money?' I want to make sure that they're being responsible in how they use our ratepayer dollars.' About the hikes, Con Edison tells PIX11 News 'Affordability in our state and country touches every aspect of New Yorkers' daily life—from energy to housing to groceries. Con Edison is acutely aware of this, which is why we work with customers to make utility bills more affordable. Our energy efficiency programs help our customers use less energy and save money, we've invested 300 million dollars in energy assistance programs for low- and moderate-income customers in 2024 and continue work to enroll all eligible customers and advocate for policy changes to make utility bills more affordable. We also have a responsibility to continue to safely and efficiently deliver the nation's most reliable power while complying with state laws and regulations. That means fortifying the grid in the face of increasingly severe extreme weather, bringing renewable energy sources online to help meet the state's clean power goals, and supporting the workforce we need to conduct ongoing maintenance and swiftly respond to customer service calls. Con Edison, as we always have, stands ready to work with stakeholders and the public to balance all of these priorities and continue to deliver safe and reliable power while using our customers' dollars as efficiently as possible.' Don't have a college degree? Con Edison is hiring entry-level jobs across NYC Meantime, the Department of Public Service says, 'In New York, utility rate cases are scrutinized during an 11-month review process to ensure customers are fully protected. At Governor Hochul's direction, DPS will pore over the utility's books to identify ways to cut costs. For the major electric and gas utilities, the approved rates after this process are nearly always lower than what is requested, due entirely to this time-tested stakeholder review process.' Several New Yorkers spoke to PIX11 News, expressing concern over the proposed rate hikes. 72-year-old JoAnna Powell is on a fixed budget. The artist says she already struggles to pay her utility bills. 'I turn the lights off a lot and I try to keep on the landlord to keep the heat on because sometimes he doesn't do that. And so I put the oven on.' That's why Powell is horrified to hear about the proposed hikes. Another woman PIX11 News spoke to said, 'I understand it but even if they could do incrementally that would be great for those living in the city.' Mirta Rinaldi from Forest Hills, Queens, says, 'Any excuse is good to increase any prices so I don't care, it's not acceptable.' If the hikes are approved, they will go into effect in 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
11-02-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Gov. Kathy Hochul fights proposed Con Edison rate hikes, calls for audit of management compensation
NEW YORK -- Gov. Kathy Hochul says Con Edison needs to get back to the drawing board after proposing significant double-digit increases for natural gas and electric bills. The governor announced Tuesday she is fighting against the utility's rate hike, which would increase the average electric bill 11.4% and the average natural gas bill 13.3%, saying, "The burden is already heavy." "I'm calling on the Department of Public Service to reject Con Ed's proposal for these exorbitant rate increases," Hochul said. She said she is sending a letter to the chair and CEO of the New York State Public Service Commission. Hochul said she's also directing the DPS to conduct a first-of-its-kind audit of Con Ed's management compensation. "I want to make sure that they're being responsible in how they use our ratepayer dollars," she said. New Yorkers concerned about proposed Con Ed rate hikes On Tuesday morning, the Queens Borough Cabinet livestreamed a meeting in which Con Ed presented ways customers can help lower bills. Shortly after, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards applauded Hochul's stance, pointing out long-standing Con Ed infrastructure issues throughout the borough. "Just last week, we took outages consistently in Rosedale," he said. "For you to ask residents, everyday New Yorkers, to come back, and Queens residents especially, to escalate their bills and then the infrastructure not be in place or something, that is unacceptable." The hike is also a big concern for seniors. "Eighteen percent of the city's older adults live in poverty, below the poverty line," AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel said, "and these high utility rates are contributing to it." According to the DPS, the process to determine if it will approve a rate increase takes about a year and will include a public hearing.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Do you qualify for NY's Affordable Broadband Act? What to know
With the Affordable Broadband Act now in effect, you may be wondering if you qualify for reduced broadband prices. The Affordable Broadband Act, or ABA, requires anyone looking to provide broadband service, or internet service providers, in New York to offer high speed broadband service to low-income customers at either $15 per month of service of at least 25 megabits per second or $20 per month for high-speed service of at least 200 megabits per second. Certain price increases may be allowed every few years and internet service providers that serve 20,000 households or less may be exempted. So far, over 60 New York providers have requested exemptions. Here's how to know if you qualify for ABA and what internet service providers are currently offering in New York. You could qualify for ABA plans if you participate in any of these programs, according to the state: Free or reduced-priced lunch through the National School Lunch Program Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Medicaid Senior citizen rent increase exemption Disability rent increase exemption Affordability benefit from a utility What to know: AT&T drops broadband service in NY as Affordable Broadband Act goes into effect While there are two options New York internet service providers could provide through the ABA, the $20 option is not mandatory, according to the state's Department of Public Service. Here's what some providers are offering: Speed of offering: 50 Mbps Price of offering (per month): $14.99 More information: Speed of offering: 50 Mbps Price of offering (per month): $15 More information: Speed of offering: 25 Mbps download speed plus 3 Mbps upload speed Price of offering (per month): $15 with a $100 installation fee More information: Speed of offering: 75 Mbps Price of offering (per month): $14.95 More information: Hochul's State of the State: Proposed regulations aim to better protect NY consumers from overdraft fees AT&T has stopped offering its fixed-wireless internet service statewide as of Jan. 15 because of the state's Affordable Broadband Act, according to the company, and since New York is outside of AT&T's wireline service footprint, there are no other home internet options available throughout the state. If you're an AT&T Internet Air service customer, which offers wireless home internet for $60 per month or $47 per month when bundled with an unlimited wireless plan, you will be able to keep the service for up to 45 days at no charge, the company says, and you'll receive a recovery kit with instructions on how to return your equipment. Business customers can keep any device they've bought at no charge. Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network's New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@ This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: NY Affordable Broadband Act: How you qualify for reduced prices
