Rep. Gillen Pushes Energy Secretary to Pursue Energy Policies that Lower Costs for Long Islanders

A video of the full remarks is available HERE.

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) questioned U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright during a House Science, Space and Technology Committee hearing on the Department of Energy's commitment to lowering energy costs for Long Islanders through the construction of the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) natural gas pipeline project and the Weatherization Assistance Program.

Secretary Wright reiterated the Department's support for the NESE pipeline project to increase energy supply by the start of winter in 2027, providing job opportunities and lower electricity costs for consumers across New York.

Rep. Gillen also pressed on rising utility costs, highlighting reports that elderly, disabled and low-income Long Islanders are struggling to pay their energy bills. She questioned the proposal to eliminate funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps low-income households reduce energy bills by about 20% annually in New York.

On lowering costs for Long Islanders through clean energy and an all-of-the-above approach:

Rep. Gillen: "Long Islanders pay some of the highest electricity rates in the nation, and power costs have risen 20% since January. We should do everything possible to lower costs, and that includes supporting clean energy tax credits and embracing renewables.

"Secretary, I'd like to work together with an all-of-the-above approach to help reduce energy costs and make life more affordable for people on Long Island. And for this reason, like you, I support the NESE natural gas pipeline project to increase energy supply and drive down costs in my district.

"Secretary Wright, what kind of cost savings can Nassau County and Long Island families expect to see from this project? And can you confirm on the record when they'll see them?"

Sec. Wright: "The NESE pipeline, last I heard, Representative Gillen, I think it will be ready not in time for this winter, but it will be ready for next winter, the winter of '27-'28.

"Number one, as you know, and look, I share your passion for driving down energy prices everywhere. …And I do want to work with you, whatever the route to lower the electricity costs for people in Nassau County…

"If you convert home fuel oil heating in your homes in Nassau County to natural gas heating, and we can supply reliable natural gas to you, that's something like $1,500 a year savings. So very significant, dramatic cost reductions."

Congresswoman Gillen has made lowering costs for Long Islanders a key priority in Congress. Earlier this year, she joined the Congressional Lowering Utility Bills Caucus, a bipartisan coalition focused on advancing solutions to reduce energy costs and ease the burden of rising utility bills. The Congresswoman continues to support efforts that promote affordability, protect consumers and deliver meaningful savings for households across Long Island.

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