The story of New York’s soaring utility costs has spanned from the stress-inducing impacts on household budgets to a complex web of local, state and global factors driving up energy bills.
And USA TODAY Network’s coverage has strived to connect New Yorkers’ deeply personal affordability struggles to those in positions of power capable of providing them with relief.
From reporting on ratepayers seeking tips for reducing their energy bills to state lawmakers in Albany pushing new reforms, our journalists have delivered a broad mix of journalism on this crucial topic.
Reporter Thomas C. Zambito and Photographer Frank Becerra Jr. captured the depth of emotions and real-world impact of rising energy bills inside Carmel Town Hall last month, where residents gathered for a utility forum.
Facing $3,000 in utility bills, ratepayer Vincent Loreznz summed up the dire situation: “You walk out of here feeling there’s not a lot of wiggle room to do anything to make any decision that might bring the cost down.”
Still, state lawmakers have cited USA TODAY Network reporting on the energy cost crisis as they pushed for everything from a $500 rebate check for millions of ratepayers to moratoriums on increases in utility bills.
To understand the stakes, consider New York has some of the highest household energy prices in the nation, according to the Empire Center, an Albany-based conservative think tank, and U.S. Energy Information Administration data.
In December, the state’s average residential electricity price reached 27.39 cents per kilowatt-hour — the sixth highest in the U.S. and 59% above the national average, the data show. Prices increased 3.7% from November and 12% over the past year, rising twice as fast as the national average and four times faster than inflation.
Our impactful journalism spotlighting the myriad ripple effects of these price hikes included an in-depth story on New York’s electric grid appearing online and in newspapers. The USA TODAY Network will continue digging into this issue in coming weeks to ensure New Yorkers are in the loop as lawmakers approach deadlines for approving plans for reining in energy prices.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Soaring utility bills fuel NY political debate. Why we reported it
Reporting by David Robinson, New York State Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
