Editor,
I’m writing in support of the NY HEAT Act, S.2016A that was cited in the New York Senate one-house budget proposal. NY HEAT will cap utility bills at 6% of income for low and middle income families. That means low-income families could save up to $75 each month! That’s nearly $1,000 every year! That’s more money for food, rent, medicine, and other basic necessities. T his utility bill cap will ensure that everyone can afford to stay warm and keep the lights on, and that the fixed costs of the gas system stop falling disproportionately on low-income households. The ‘100 foot’ rule costs New Yorkers roughly $200 million annually, so yes, we should eliminate that because that is a burden on all New Yorkers. The majority of rate-payers will have their bill capped at 6%, while the few top earners may see a slight increase. New York State should include the full NY HEAT Act in the 2024-25 FY Budget.
Sincerely,
Eric Wood
New Paltz
