As extreme winter weather continues to batter New York and families face escalating home-heating costs, Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) asks Gov. Kathy Hochul to utilize her emergency executive order authority to deliver direct, comprehensive relief by temporarily suspending or providing equivalent bill credits for all state and local taxes and surcharges on residential home-heating utility bills for the next 60 days.

“With temperatures dropping below zero and households running their heat nonstop to stay safe, New Yorkers are confronted with bills they cannot afford,” Gray said. “This is a public health, safety and financial crisis, especially for seniors on fixed incomes. The governor understands the severity of these conditions. Now, it is critical that targeted financial relief be delivered immediately to ease the burden on families."

Gray highlighted that increased demand due to cold weather and rising wholesale energy costs are expected to spike supply charges. He emphasized that taxes and state-mandated surcharges, making up a significant portion of utility bills, must be suspended now to provide meaningful relief to residents under extreme financial stress.