Assemblyman Conte Calls for Ratepayer Rescue Plan

(Long Island, N.Y.) Assemblyman Jim Conte (R,I,C,WF-Huntington Station) is calling for the enactment of a Ratepayer Rescue Plan to lower Long Island’s power costs before the conclusion of this year’s legislative session. Assemblyman Conte noted that the plan would lower energy costs for Long Island residents by reducing Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) rates, improving the authority’s accountability and transparency, and more aggressively transitioning to cleaner and renewable power sources.

“New Yorkers and Long Islanders in particular, pay some of the highest energy rates in the nation,” said Conte. “High power costs put a strain on family budgets and make it harder to own and operate a business in New York. One way to make Long Island a more affordable place to live would be to lower the cost of power here.”

To lower energy costs for Long Island families and businesses, Assemblyman Conte is working to have following proposals passed into law:

• Elect LIPA Board of Trustees;
• Create a Ratepayer Advisory Board;
• Oversight of LIPA rates by NYS Public Service Commission;
• Minimum 60-day public comment period on any rate hike;
• Require an Economic Impact Statement for any rate hike;
• Permit new municipal utilities to compete with LIPA;
• Require all LIPA contracts to be posted on the LIPA Web site;
• Require industry experience for all new LIPA presidents and CEOs;
• Create **New York** **State** Office of Renewable Energy;
• Assume Shoreham debt by NYPA;
• Sell LIPA interest in the 9 Mile Pt nuclear plant; and
• Permit local governments to finance renewable energy improvements for businesses and residents.

“These proposals will make LIPA more open, accountable and transparent to public officials and ratepayers and will lead to lower energy costs for Long Island,” remarked Conte. “With more taxpayer money being used for the promotion, creation and use of renewable energy, lawmakers need to be more proactive to ensure these funds are used effectively to lower power costs while ensuring a cleaner environment for future generations.”

Constituents who would like a copy of the Ratepayer Rescue Plan Report can contact Assemblyman Conte’s district office at: (631) 271-8025.