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Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara is urging an investigation into the rising electric and gas delivery charges by utilities like National Grid in New York. As winter heating bills soar, Santabarbara has called on State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli to conduct an independent review of these charges. He expressed concerns that many residents are seeing unexplained increases in their bills, despite using the same or less energy.
Santabarbara highlighted that utilities operate as regulated monopolies, leaving customers with no alternatives when bills become unaffordable. "Heating your home in upstate New York isn’t optional," he stated, emphasizing the lack of options for consumers. He also noted that public trust in the regulatory system has eroded, as the same system approving the charges is expected to justify them.
In his formal request, Santabarbara asked for an examination of utility delivery charges, cost-recovery practices, and the adequacy of current oversight. He believes the Comptroller's investigation is essential for restoring transparency and accountability. "This is about fairness," he said, advocating for clarity on why bills are rising without clear justification.
Santabarbara has also introduced legislation aimed at addressing these issues in the new legislative session. He believes that the Comptroller's independent review will shed light on the factors driving these costs and help ensure fairness for New Yorkers.