Assemblymember Cahill: Standing up
for New York’s energy consumers


Assemblymember Cahill is fighting to
protect energy consumers and their families

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Making sure residential utility customers are heard

New Yorkers are suffering from skyrocketing energy rates and an unstable marketplace. Despite the deregulation of the electricity industry under the prior governor’s administration, rates have not gone down as promised.

Assemblymember Cahill believes that New Yorkers need an advocate to represent the interests of residential utility customers. That’s why he’s backing legislation to establish a not-for-profit corporation known as the Citizen’s Utility Advocacy Board Inc. to help make the concerns of state energy customers heard (A.3462).

Did you know?

You can choose your energy supplier.

To find out more information, visit www.energyguide.com.


Fighting for renewable energy

In Albany, Assemblymember Cahill has been a leader in promoting renewable energy. The growing photovoltaic industry is creating well-paying jobs in the Hudson Valley and turning the region into a hot spot for investment in solar technology. That’s why he has been working diligently to gain state backing for The Solar Energy Consortium in Kingston—a project that promises an exponential increase in employment opportunities for researchers, designers, manufacturers and installers.

Assemblymember Cahill is confident that alternative power sources will play a key role in addressing our energy and global climate change challenges, while planting the seeds for a new green economy right here in Ulster County.

An energy plan that works for everyone

We can no longer afford to take a hands-off approach to energy issues. Our lack of a comprehensive energy plan has resulted in skyrocketing costs for consumers and irreparable damage to our environment and public health.

Assemblymember Cahill is committed to enacting policies that promote affordability and efficiency while at the same time protect the environment and public health and position New York as the leader in clean, renewable power.


Tips to save gas and improve mileage

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Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town.

Observe the speed limit. Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $.20 per gallon of gas.

Remove excess weight. Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent.

Avoid excessive idling. Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than do cars with smaller engines.

Use cruise control. Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.

Use overdrive gears. When you use overdrive gearing, your car’s engine speed goes down, saving gas and reducing engine wear.


Get the help your family needs to stay safe and warm this winter

Assemblymember Cahill urges Ulster County residents to become familiar with programs that the State offers to help low-income individuals and families with heating costs this winter, as well where to get help in case of an energy emergency.

Making sure families stay warm this winter

The governor has increased payments for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Both renters and homeowners can be eligible for assistance in meeting home energy heating costs. Eligibility depends on income, the number of persons in the household and other housing requirements. For more information, please call the HEAP hotline at 1-800-342-3009, or visit http://www.otda.state.ny.us/main/heap.

Other offices that assist with HEAP benefits are:

  • Ulster County Department of Social Services, 1021 Development Court, Kingston, NY 12401, 845-334-5436

  • After hours: Sheriff’s Department – 845-338-3640, Kingston Police – 845-331-1671

  • Ulster County Office for the Aging, 845-340-3456

  • NYS Office for the Aging, 1-800-342-9871

  • NYS Department of Family Assistance, visit www.dfa.state.ny.us

  • Public Utility Law Project (PULP), visit www.pulpny.org

Weatherization Assistance Program

The Division of Housing and Community Renewal manages the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps income-eligible families reduce costs through energy efficiency measures. This program is based on income and household size with priority given to Senior Citizens, families with children and people with disabilities. For more information, visit http://www.dhcr.state.ny.us or call 1-866-275-3427.

Emergency Energy Assistance

To avoid electric and gas shutoffs, contact the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) Senior Center at 1-800-342-3355 or visit www.askpsc.com.

The American Red Cross manages the Care and Share Energy Fund for emergency energy assistance through its local Red Cross Chapters. In Ulster County, please call 845-338-7020.

Winter energy-saving tips

  • Use a programmable thermostat to automatically lower the temperature at night or when no one is home.

  • Keep the warm air in and the cold air out by adding insulation, caulking and weather stripping around doors, windows, attic accesses and outlets.

  • Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace old batteries.

  • Clean floor and wall vents and make sure they are not blocked by furniture or rugs.

  • Keep blinds and drapes of sun-exposed windows open during the day and closed at night.

  • Buy insulated drapes to keep cold air out.

  • Make sure outdoor portions of your heating system are not blocked by leaves or shrubbery.

  • Remove air conditioners from windows. If not possible, buy a cover to prevent drafts.

  • Reverse the direction of ceiling fan blades so that they push warm air down.

  • Lower your water heater temp to 120 degrees. For added savings, have your water heater wrapped with an insulation blanket by a heating/plumbing contractor.

  • When a fireplace is not in use, make sure the flue damper is closed.

  • Replace old light bulbs with efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

  • Invest in Energy Star-qualified appliances.

For more information on how to save energy, visit www.getenergysmart.org or call
1-866-NYSERDA.

Assemblymember Kevin Cahill
Governor Clinton Building
One Albany Ave, Suite G4
Kingston, NY 12401
845-338-9610
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