Tenney: Energy Costs Are Skyrocketing in New York Because Albany Democrats’ Climate Law Is Failing Families

Oswego, N.Y. - Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today released the following statement on rising electricity prices and growing concerns about New York's energy reliability under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

New Yorkers are paying some of the highest electricity prices in the nation as dangerous and unrealistic energy mandates imposed by Albany Democrats collide with economic reality. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), rushed through the legislature in 2019 without a workable cost or reliability plan, is driving up utility bills, straining the electric grid, putting New Yorkers at risk, and pushing jobs and energy production out of state, all while missing its own deadlines.

Instead of delivering affordable, reliable energy, the CLCPA has imposed sweeping mandates that force rapid electrification, restrict dependable power sources, and require massive transmission upgrades that New Yorkers are now paying for through higher monthly bills. State agencies and grid operators are increasingly warning that these policies threaten reliability and could lead to blackouts, especially during winter months when demand is expected to surge. As a result of the CLCPA's failures, New York has increased imports of electricity from Canada, Pennsylvania, and New England, shifting energy spending out of state rather than reducing fossil fuel use.

Key Facts About New York's Energy Crisis

• CLCPA passed in 2019 by Albany Democrats, mandating sweeping changes without a realistic implementation plan.
• 70% renewable electricity by 2030 - a deadline the state has already missed by more than three years.
• 85% greenhouse gas reduction by 2050, based on 1990 emissions data, not current conditions.
• Creation of a cap-and-invest "superfund"-style system, imposing fees based on a company's carbon footprint - including emissions outside New York State.
• The CLCPA has directly caused New York electricity prices (26.49¢/kWh) to far exceed the national average (17.78¢/kWh).
• The Climate Action Council projected "net" costs of up to $295 billion, but state data show $4.9 trillion in total costs by 2050, masked by sketchy accounting assumptions.

Compounding Policy Failures

Albany Democrats have worsened the crisis by:

• Shutting down Indian Point Nuclear Plant, eliminating up to 17 TWh of emission free, clean energy annually.
• Banning safe, responsible gas drilling and restricting gas hookups, forcing greater reliance on electrification.
• Banning the 100-Foot Rule, raising costs for new housing and limiting access to affordable energy.
• Mandating gas power plant shutdowns in New York City by 2030.
• Allowing repeated utility rate hikes approved by a Public Service Commission dominated by gubernatorial appointees.

NYISO has warned that:

• New York will become a winter-peaking electric system, with demand increasing by 14,000 MW by 2040.
• Beginning in the summer of 2026, grid reliability margins will be extremely thin, increasing blackout risks during peak demand.

"New Yorkers are paying some of the highest electricity prices in America because Albany Democrats rammed through sweeping energy mandates without a credible plan for cost, safety, reliability, or grid readiness," said Congresswoman Tenney."Those failures are no longer theoretical, key deadlines have already been blown, family utility bills are climbing, and state agencies are now openly warning that New York's electric grid is under mounting strain."

"Cleaner energy does not have to mean higher costs or an unreliable power supply," Tenney continued."A responsible path forward requires honest data, protection of dependable energy sources, and policies that put the safety of working families first. Albany must change course now before these reckless mandates inflict even greater harm on New Yorkers."

###