WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 1, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) is once again calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to stop plans for new energy capacity zones that will raise electric rates for New York homeowners and businesses.
Earlier this year Congressman Gibson co-authored legislation that would prohibit FERC from moving forward with the implementation of these capacity zones, which are expected to raise energy costs for Hudson Valley consumers by 3% to 10% on the heels of a devastating winter that saw utility bills skyrocket.
A bipartisan coalition of officials from virtually every level of government in New York has resisted efforts by federal regulators to increase energy costs. Still, FERC persists with plans to move forward with the new zones Thursday.
“Proceeding with any increases after the winter we just went through demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of how families across my district have suffered as a result of spiking energy prices,” said Congressman Gibson. “Going forward, the best way to combat potential high energy costs is to expand our energy supply in all directions—more domestic oil exploration to lower gas and home heating prices and more research and development of renewable energy. Moving federal resources to perfecting renewal energy is a smart approach and will help us become more energy independent while protecting the environment. As far as cost, with more and diverse energy supply, we will also drive down price. There is also more we can do on conservation to help drive down energy costs and a 21st century electrical grid will help on that score.”
He pledged to continue efforts to bring down energy costs and soften the blow of recent utility bills that threaten to put families in debt.
“Finally, if we are concerned about energy costs, we must oppose and reject energy taxes,” said Congressman Gibson. “I’ve always opposed energy taxes. We can transform our energy development, conveyance, and consumption without onerous energy taxes that hurt hard-working families and small businesses.”
Contact: Matt Sheehey 202-225-5614
