This week Assemblyman Scott Gray discussed his eventful week in Albany, with him assuming his new Energy Ranker position and having an energy press conference to discuss how the conference intends to bring down energy costs for the state.

My conference introduced the LOWER plan: a multi-step plan to help lower utility costs for New Yorkers. Firstly, energy company surcharges collected in the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) climate investment account would be returned to taxpayers as a utility bill credit. The credit would provide income-based rebate checks that would significantly help with soaring utility bills.

This solution, however, isn't permanent. To fix energy prices, we must fight impractical mandates that end natural gas production and use in our power grid. Gray also discussed legislation that would remove set charges from energy bills, though this wouldn't be a major cost-saving measure, as it would simply replace set charges with volumetric charges on bills. This means high-volume users, like businesses, will see higher charges, while lower-volume users will see slight decreases, effectively just shuffling charges around and not making any dent in the energy crisis.

Being the ranker Minority Conference member on the Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development Committee, Gray was also excited to announce that the Check Out New York Pass, offered through the local library systems, will offer reduced entry prices to state parks for the coming summer.

Gray mentioned the visitors he had this week in Albany, including the New York Independent System Operator and theIndependent Power Producers of New York, to discuss energy issues. He also had student facility members from higher education, the Aviation Management Association of Watertown Airport, the Parks and Public Land Advocacy Group, and the Manufacturers Association of Central New York, and student facility members from higher education.

Gray wraps up the episode by saying he hopes the budget can be passed on time this year. That benefits all New Yorkers and, most importantly, lowers utility bills across the state. As always, if there is anything I can do, please reach out to my office. It's a privilege to serve you in Albany.

Editors Note: Gray Area Video 2/26