Assemblywoman Andrea K. Bailey (R,C-Geneseo) today joined her colleagues in the Minority Conference to stand up to the governor and Albany Majority lawmakers over what she described as unrealistic and damaging energy policies that are hurting hardworking New Yorkers and presented a realistic, alternative plan that would address the energy crisis facing New Yorkers.

Bailey highlighted the growing financial strain on residents, agricultural producers and small businesses, pointing to a dramatic increase in utility bills over the past several years. Utility costs have risen by 47.1% since 2019, and this is a surge she says is directly tied to policy decisions made in Albany.

“We are all facing the unfortunate results of Albany lawmakers’ disastrous energy policies,” Bailey said. “Our choice of energy source is being ripped away, and without a solution, millions of New Yorkers will continue to suffer financially."

Bailey emphasized that the impact is especially severe for local farmers, who rely heavily on electricity and fuel to operate equipment, power barns and refrigeration systems, run irrigation, heat greenhouses and transport goods to market. Rising energy costs are stretching family farms thin and threatening the long-term sustainability of New York’s agricultural industry.

“Families are opening their utility bills and seeing increases they simply didn’t budget for. Seniors on fixed incomes are being forced to choose between filling prescriptions and paying their electric bill. Small businesses are struggling to absorb skyrocketing delivery charges and supply costs. This isn’t sustainable. We need to all stand together and demand real change and accountability.” Said Bailey.

Bailey and the Minority Conference pledged to continue advocating for reforms that put affordability, reliability and the future of New York’s agricultural communities at the forefront of the state’s energy agenda.