Scored 8/10 on whether it helps or hurts everyday people.
The Utility Costs Bill
New bill aims to cut utility costs for New Yorkers
Allows surplus or uncommitted funds in the New York state climate investment account to be returned to ratepayers; establishes a one-year utility bill tax and surcharge holiday and a two-year green energy tax holiday; relates to audits of utility corporations; authorizes the public service commission to reconsider rate increases; grants customers the right to decline smart meters and prohibits such customers from being penalized or charged exercising such right; directs the public service commission to conduct a study analyzing the economic impact of the use of smart meters; relates to costs and expenses of the department of public service and the public service commission; directs the public service commission to develop a formula to determine the average cost to comply with the provisions set forth in article seventy-five of the environmental conservation law; provides for a ratepayer protection tax credit; repeals certain provisions of law relating to the assessment of costs and expenses of the department of public service and the public service commission.
Good for everyday people ·
This bill would help New Yorkers save money on utility bills and allow them to refuse smart meters without extra charges.
Our take
What we think, in plain words.
If this bill passes, people could save money on their utility bills and have more control over their energy use. Now is the time to support it.
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The facts
What the bill actually says, no spin.
- Surplus funds in the climate investment account would go back to ratepayers.
- There would be a one-year holiday from utility taxes and surcharges.
- Customers could refuse smart meters without being charged extra.
- The public service commission could reconsider rate increases.
- There would be a two-year holiday on green energy taxes.
In the news
Scanning the news for this bill…
Headlines gathered from across the news, starting points to explore, not endorsements. Always read the official text before acting.
Sources
Read it yourself: the official bill and records.
This bill is in the New York Bill Book 2026
The best and worst New York bills of 2026, one page each — our take on the left, the bill on the right, and room for your notes. No email needed.
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