utilities

The bill would cap the cost of energy bills at 6% of household income for low-income New Yorkers. It is also meant to encourage utilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The rate agreement will amount to an increase of approximately 24% in costs for NYSEG electric customers, spread out over three years. The utilities say the average residential customer will see an increase of around $10 per month the first year, starting next month.

The Garcias have been without water since the start of February, when their landlord, Douglas Ritter, turned off the service to their upstairs apartment on Mary Street.

Home heating prices are up as natural gas supply costs continue to surge worldwide. This comes as households in New York face staggering utility debt, which advocates worry will be difficult to pay back in time.

The Southern Door Community Land Trust will use the grant to retrofit current and future homes with green energy appliances, in an effort to reduce energy costs.

"Utilities do not have a mandate. They are legally required to provide adequate and reliable service that's in the public interest ... and they have dropped the ball far too long.”