New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt, Western New York Delegation Blast New York Power Authority Over Proposed Rate Hikes

Albany, NY - Senior members of the New York Power Authority (NYPA) held a public forum in Albany today to discuss raising the preference power rate in a series of rate hikes over the next four years. NYPA says the increases are necessary to keep up with increased maintenance and operations costs. The proposed rate hikes would take effect as follows: 

 

 

Municipalities, school districts, businesses and nonprofits across New York State benefit from NYPA’s current preference power rate of $12.88 per megawatt hour. These additional costs will not be absorbed by affected organizations - but passed on to consumers and residents in the form of increased product costs and taxes. 

 

“New York is one of the worst states to operate a business in, and manufacturers in Western New York have been struggling to make ends meet. Many of the operations in my district rely on low cost power so that they are able to remain viable, and the proposed tripling of these rates are unwanted and absurd. This will surely lead to even more businesses closing their doors and leaving our state,” said Senator Rob Ortt. “ Instead of sweeping millions of dollars every year into New York state's general fund, NYPA should have been reinvesting the profits generated back into the power project. Thanks to NYPA’s mismanagement, they are now turning to the community to cover the cost of these infrastructure upgrades.” 

 

"NYPA’s proposed rate hike isn’t just excessive—it will be a devastating blow to the communities and businesses that depend on affordable hydropower. Nearly tripling rates will further strain family budgets, push businesses to the edge, and drive even more jobs out of New York. If the state can funnel billions into the waste and fraud-riddled MTA, it can certainly support NYPA’s capital needs without punishing upstate residents. This isn’t just bad policy—it’s an attack on affordability and economic stability. The NYPA Board must reverse course and stop this reckless increase,” stated Senator George Borrello.

 

“NYPA’s proposed hydropower rate hikes are outrageous. At a time when hard working New Yorkers are already struggling under crushing inflation and sky-high energy costs, Gov. Hochul and her bureaucrats want to nearly triple the cost of clean, reliable power for some communities,” said Assemblyman David DiPietro. “This is forced electrification at its worst—making energy unaffordable while driving businesses and families out of New York. Our state should be making it easier to live and work here, not punishing those who can’t afford the left’s utopian fantasies. NYPA needs to scrap this disastrous proposal before more damage is done. Enough is enough!” 

 

"Hydropower is an extremely important part of NYS’s energy portfolio.  Unfortunately, with continued mandates out of Albany irresponsibly pushing electrification, hydropower prices are being driven up and costs are being passed on to both ratepayers and taxpayers,” said Assemblyman Paul Bologna. “This nearly tripling of rates, on what was meant to be a “low-cost” power solution is going to have devastating impacts on businesses, municipalities and consumers that rely on hydropower.  All while businesses and residents are already feeling the heavy burden of inflation and increased costs across the board."

 

“The timing of NYPA’s proposed rate hike is as egregious as the dollar amount of the potential increases,” said Assemblyman Patrick J. Chludzinski.  “Affordability is at the heart of why so many residents and businesses are leaving our state, and rate increases of this magnitude will only speed up the exodus.  If this schedule of rate increases goes into effect, the impact on residential users, large end users like school districts and manufacturers, and our economic development attraction efforts will be devastating. It is imperative that NYPA go back to the drawing board and come up with a more reasonable proposal.”

 

“Affordability is one of the biggest challenges facing New Yorkers and NYPA’s proposed rate increase will only make matters worse for consumers, businesses, and municipalities.  Such dramatic rate hikes will make it even more difficult to live and work in New York and I urge the NYPA Board to reconsider its current proposal,” said Senator Patrick M. Gallivan. 

 

“Once again the ratepayers will bear the financial burden of New York State’s build out of the power grid without considering the economic fall out it represents. The beneficial rate granted to businesses will evaporate which will cause them to reconsider remaining in New York, or not even consider doing business in New York State. The highest taxed state and second to last business friendly state in the union,” said Assemblyman Angelo Morinello. 

 

“Across Western New York, working families rely on low-cost hydropower for their day-to-day activities. These proposed rate increases by the New York Power Authority will only intensify the burden on residents and deepen the affordability crisis across the region. I am calling on NYPA to reject these increases and return to a model that puts consumers and affordability first,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

 

A public comment period is currently open and will end on February 24th. Comments can be submitted to secretaryoffice@nypa.gov. Senator Ortt will be submitting public comments on behalf of ratepayers in his district. 

 

A final vote is scheduled to take place during a July 2025 meeting.