January 23, 2026 – New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed budget for 2027 includes several initiatives aimed at reducing utility bills for New Yorkers, such as technology credits and better regulatory oversight of the energy sector. However, consumer groups and environmentalists have criticized the budget for not providing direct aid to households that have their power shut off and for not investing in renewable energy projects.
The governor did not make a commitment to replenish or extend the Sustainable Future Program—last year’s flagship $1 billion climate investment—at a moment when New Yorkers need more help cutting pollution and lowering energy costs. These piecemeal provisions don’t include real investments in renewable energy, efficiency, or energy infrastructure.”
-EANY’s Katherine Nadeau
