"LIPA needs to answer the question that so many residents and business owners are asking: When will enough finally be enough?

"LIPA’s announcement today that they’re hiking their controversial ‘fuel and purchased power’ surcharge could not possibly come at a worse time. In the depths of a very cold winter, and at a time when utility bills are already sky-high, this backdoor surcharge is simply too much for our senior citizens who are on a fixed income, working families and businesses to bear.

"Last year, the Assembly acted to protect Long Island’s ratepayers by passing a bill (A.8005-A) that would provide the oversight and transparency that LIPA clearly lacks. In light of this latest hike, I urge the governor and the Senate to join with us to protect taxpayers from these constant rate hikes."