AARP New York Statement on Governor's Veto of Legislation That Would Have Created the Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate

AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel issued the following statement in regards to Governor Hochul vetoing A.2468 (Dinowitz) into law, which would have created the state office of the utility consumer advocate.

“Unfortunately for countless New Yorkers, there is no end in sight to the energy affordability crisis following the Governor’s veto of A.2468. Rather than having a strong, independent voice to fight for them, consumers will instead continue to pay millions of dollars for utility companies to defend their rate increases without a meaningful seat at the table. These same energy companies oppose the bill and have terminated over 1,200 households from services everyday in October, because they can't afford these rates.

Older New Yorkers are often on fixed incomes and increasingly living at or near the poverty line. They deserve fairness, protection and to have someone fighting on their side. AARP New York will continue to fight to make energy rates more affordable. We hope the Governor will too.”

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About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.