Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-104) introduced legislation on Monday to prohibit utilities, including Central Hudson, from passing along the costs incurred by tariffs on gas or electricity from Canada. The law would apply to tariffs imposed by the United States, Canada or any Canadian provinces.

“The Trump Administration’s reckless tariff policies have sparked a trade war with our closest ally, Canada. The Administration has imposed a 25% tariff on all goods and services – including electricity and gas – coming from Canada,” said Jacobson. “In turn, the province of Ontario has imposed a 25% tariff on electricity exported from Ontario.”

Utilities in New York State distribute electricity from generating plants in New York, as well as other states and Canada.

“The utilities will attempt to pass the costs of these tariff taxes on to their customers. Ratepayers across the state are already experiencing financial stress from their utility bills and the additional cost of tariffs will only add to their difficulties,” said Jacobson.