New York Budget Delivers Strongest Utility Reforms in Years

AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel issued the following statement today on the state budget:

“AARP New York welcomes what is among the strongest and most comprehensive utility reforms in years, marking a significant step forward for consumers facing soaring energy costs.

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The inclusion of direct rebate checks, stricter oversight of utility company spending, and the creation of a new Blue Ribbon RATES Commission together signal meaningful progress towards consumer relief, greater transparency and long-overdue accountability. These are solutions AARP has long championed.

For millions of New Yorkers, especially older adults living on fixed incomes, utility bills are one of the biggest and most unpredictable pressures on household budgets. This budget begins to ease that strain, while laying  the groundwork for deeper, long-term change.

The proposed RATES Commission has potential, particularly if it focuses on proven solutions, like intervenor funding and a dedicated independent utility consumer advocate, to strengthen consumer protections and ensure everyday New Yorkers have a real voice in utility decisions.

At the same time, the budget falls short of delivering on a key commitment in the state’s own Master Plan for Aging: fully funding aging services. That failure has real consequences for older New Yorkers and nearly 4 million family caregivers, who continue to shoulder enormous responsibilities without the support they were promised and deserve.

As New York’s population continues to age, investing in caregiving, economic security, housing stability, and essential services cannot be optional, it must be a priority.

AARP New York looks forward to building on this progress and working to ensure all New Yorkers can live with dignity and independence.

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About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.