In direct response to yesterday’s Public Service Commission (PSC) decision approving a National Grid rate hike expected to add about $600 a year to the average Upstate household’s energy bill, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara introduced legislation today that would give the State Legislature the power to review and potentially reverse that increase when lawmakers return to session in January.

The bill, titled the Utility Rate Hike Legislative Review Act, applies retroactively to the last 12 months, creating a window for the Legislature to revisit and overturn recently approved rate hikes – including the recent National Grid increase – before they become a permanent burden on ratepayers.

“Utility costs are already a significant burden for New Yorkers,” Santabarbara said. “This bill makes sure that when major decisions like this are made, elected representatives have the chance to step in on behalf of the people they serve – even if the PSC has already approved it. In this case, we still have time to review and potentially reverse this increase before it becomes permanent.”

Under current law, the PSC has sole authority to approve rate increases, with no formal role for the Legislature once a decision is made. Santabarbara says this leaves ratepayers without a direct line of representation in these decisions.

“I’ve already heard from many families and seniors in my district who were surprised to learn about this increase after it was already approved,” Santabarbara added. “Essential services like electricity and heat should not see price increases without a thorough public process and an opportunity for the Legislature to weigh in – and in this case, we can still do something about it.”

The Utility Rate Hike Legislative Review Act would:

• Require any PSC-approved utility rate increase to be transmitted to the Legislature for a 60-day review period before implementation.
• Allow the Legislature to rescind or reduce the increase by concurrent resolution during that review period.
• Apply retroactively to the last 12 months, enabling review of recently approved hikes, including the August 2025 National Grid increase.
• Require PSC to notify the Governor, legislative leaders, and the public within 24 hours of approving any rate increase.

“This isn’t just about stopping future rate hikes – it’s about making sure this one gets the scrutiny it deserves. New Yorkers should know that this fight isn’t over.”