Assembly Republicans unveil energy strategy to lower utility bills

Proposal includes $2 billion in rebates, $2.4 billion in bill credits, and rolling back electrification mandates

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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State Assembly Republicans unveiled a legislative package on Tuesday designed to provide immediate relief for New Yorkers struggling with high energy costs. The proposal includes $2 billion in state funds for rebate checks to moderate-income residents and using $2.4 billion from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's operating accounts for utility bill credits. Republicans also seek to roll back school bus and building electrification mandates, which they say will raise costs and strain the electric grid.

Why it matters

Residential electric rates in New York are about 45% higher than the national average, and customers owe utility companies over $1.8 billion in past-due bills. The Republican plan aims to provide immediate financial relief, while also addressing longer-term energy policy changes that they believe will improve affordability.

The details

The $2.4 billion in NYSERDA funds includes money set aside for building decarbonization projects and other clean energy efforts. NYSERDA says the use of these funds is compliant with existing orders and plans. Republicans also want to eliminate charges on utility bills related to Climate Act programs, which make up about 10% of the average bill, arguing the money would be better used for direct relief.

  • The Republican energy plan was unveiled on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Edward Ra

Assemblyman and Republican minority leader in the New York State Assembly.

Rory Christian

Chairman of the New York Public Service Commission, which regulates the state's utilities.

Kathy Hochul

Governor of New York, who has made energy affordability a top priority.

Paul Bologna

Republican Assemblyman from western New York.

Didi Barrett

Democratic Assemblywoman from Hudson, New York, who is pushing a different energy plan.

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What they’re saying

“The state's energy crisis is the most pressing issue facing New Yorkers.”

— Edward Ra, Assemblyman and Republican minority leader (Times Union)

“Slogans do not keep the lights on, and you can repeat the word 'affordability' all you want, but until policy matches that sentiment, it is going to be the residents of this state that are going to continue to pay the price.”

— Paul Bologna, Republican Assemblyman (Times Union)

“Life in New York must be affordable. The time to act is now to deliver immediate relief and begin to address the root causes driving costs up.”

— Didi Barrett, Democratic Assemblywoman (Times Union)

What’s next

The Republican energy plan will now be considered by the New York State Legislature, where it faces an uncertain future given the Democratic majority. Governor Hochul has also proposed her own energy affordability measures, creating a potential clash over the direction of the state's energy policy.

The takeaway

The debate over New York's energy future highlights the tension between affordability concerns and the state's ambitious climate goals. The Republican plan focuses on immediate financial relief, while the Democratic proposal seeks to address underlying cost drivers through programs and funding. Resolving this policy clash will be crucial for determining how the state balances energy costs, reliability, and environmental sustainability.