Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C–Medford) joined Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra (R,C–Franklin Square) and fellow Republican lawmakers at the State Capitol to sound the alarm on rising energy costs, which they say are placing an increasing burden on Long Island families.
Speaking at a press conference, DeStefano pointed to a 47.1% increase in residential electricity prices since 2019, along with grid reliability concerns raised by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), as evidence that the state’s current energy policies are unsustainable.
“This isn’t theoretical, this is showing up in people’s mailboxes every month,” DeStefano said. “When utility bills jump nearly 50% in just a few years, that’s not a minor adjustment. That’s a crisis.”
DeStefano criticized provisions of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), arguing that policies such as the gas stove ban and the repeal of the 100-foot rule have contributed to higher costs and energy instability. He called on Albany to reassess its approach to ensure energy remains affordable and reliable for residents.
Among the proposals outlined by Assembly Republicans are rebate checks of up to $400 for eligible ratepayers, returning surplus clean energy funds to customers as credits on utility bills and expanding the POWER UP grant program to accelerate the development of reliable energy sources. Lawmakers also called for halting the natural gas ban and zero-emission school bus mandate, and for reinvestment in natural gas plants slated for retirement.
“The goal should be stability,” DeStefano said. “Stable supply, stable prices and a stable grid. Long Island families need predictability, not policy experiments.”
DeStefano represents the 3rd Assembly District, which includes parts of Suffolk County, including Medford and Mastic Beach.