A Column from the Desk of Assemblyman Karl Brabenec
As the cold months approach, many New Yorkers are once again facing the challenge of high heating bills. Seniors on fixed incomes, working families, and small businesses are all feeling the burden of rising energy costs. Programs such as the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) are critical in providing financial relief to those in need. HEAP helps low-income households struggling to cover their heating bills. I encourage all who qualify to apply through the Rockland County or Orange County Department of Social Services, or the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). This program offers both regular benefits and emergency assistance for households at risk of a utility shut off during winter. While HEAP is a necessary short-term solution, it does not address the larger issue of New York’s inflated energy costs. Utility bills are driven up by a host of hidden fees, taxes, and delivery charges that go beyond the cost of energy itself. These extra charges make it difficult for New Yorkers to budget effectively, especially as winter heating needs grow. As your state representative, I understand how urgent this issue is, and I am committed to finding solutions when the State Assembly reconvenes in January. We need to thoroughly examine the regulatory fees and and delivery charges that unnecessarily inflate utility bills. By addressing these costs, we can bring long-term relief to New Yorkers and reduce the financial strain on families and businesses alike. In addition to reducing costs, we need to take a hard look at the state’s energy policies. The decision to shut down Indian Point—a major, reliable source of power—while simultaneously blocking new natural gas pipelines and banning fracking has been short-sighted and costly. By closing Indian Point, we’ve increased our dependence on natural gas without securing adequate supply, leading to higher energy costs and greater reliance on out-of-state sources. These policies not only strain our energy grid but also drive-up costs for New Yorkers. If we are serious about lowering energy costs, we need to rethink these misguided policies. New York can pursue a more balanced approach to energy that ensures reliability, affordability, and independence. We cannot afford to make energy more expensive for the sake of political ideology, especially when so many of our residents are struggling to keep up with rising costs. When the legislative session resumes, I will work hard to reduce the regulatory fees and delivery charges that unnecessarily inflate utility bills. I will also advocate for commonsense energy policies that support affordability for all New Yorkers. In the meantime, if you or someone you know needs immediate help paying heating bills, I strongly urge you to explore HEAP and other available assistance programs. Together, we can ensure that no New Yorker is left out in the cold this winter. Assemblyman Brabenec represents the 98th District, which includes the city of Port Jervis, the towns of Deerpark, Greenville, Mount Hope, Wawayanda, Minisink, Warwick, Tuxedo and portions of the towns of Goshen, Monroe and Ramapo. For more information, please visit his Official Website at www.yourfavoriteassemblyman.com.
