On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Senators Kevin Parker and Leroy Comrie hosted a joint legislative roundtable in Manhattan with Rory M. Christian, Chair of the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC), to address growing concerns over utility rate increases, energy affordability, and the ongoing clean energy transition. The event, held at a packed Broadway venue, featured candid discussions as Chair Christian responded to direct questions about the PSC’s oversight of utilities, rate case negotiations, and efforts to protect vulnerable New Yorkers amid shifting federal energy policies.
During the roundtable, Senator Parker raised several critical issues on behalf of New York City constituents, including measures to prevent repeated rate hikes and ensure working families can afford their energy bills, holding Con Edison and other utilities accountable for frequent outages particularly during extreme weather and ensuring faster power restoration.
He also inquired about protections for low-income families, seniors, and medically vulnerable residents to prevent shutoffs, and how the PSC plans to manage the transition to clean energy without disproportionately increasing costs for financially strained New Yorkers. Additionally, questions were posed regarding oversight to prevent overcharges and predatory practices, as well as improving transparency in the PSC’s decision-making processes.
Senator Kevin Parker, Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, stated, “This was not an easy conversation for anyone in the room, but it was a necessary one. New Yorkers are fed up with rate hikes, blackouts, and feeling like they have no say in the decisions that affect their monthly bills. I appreciate Chair Christian’s honesty today about where the Commission is pushing back, where they’re stretched thin, and where we as legislators need to step in and fight harder.”
PSC Chair Rory M. Christian, said in a statement, “We are fighting for the best possible outcomes in every rate case. But we are also operating within a challenging national landscape. Federal tariffs, opposition to clean energy from Washington, and inflationary pressures are all impacting what’s possible. That said, we are not backing down from advocating for New Yorkers.”
Senator Leroy Comrie, Chair of the Senate Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions, highlighted the need for continued scrutiny and legislative action, saying, “This roundtable was an important step toward greater transparency and accountability,” Comrie said. “We heard directly from community organizations who have been struggling for years with high bills and unreliable service. Their voices must guide our policymaking.”
In a final remark, Senator Parker mentioned, “Today’s discussion made clear that in 2026, our committee must be laser-focused on both affordability and modernization. As Chair of Energy and Telecommunications, I intend to use my leadership in the Senate to keep this issue front and center. We must act with one united vision making energy more affordable and cleaning up the grid. That means fighting back against unfair rate hikes, accelerating our clean energy investments, and working hand-in-hand with our partners in the Assembly to move strong, clear legislation to the Governor’s desk and get it signed expeditiously. New Yorkers can’t afford to wait.”
Chair Christian provided a clear assessment of the PSC’s current efforts and limitations, acknowledging that while the Commission is actively working to curb unreasonable rate increases and enhance oversight, it faces challenges related to staffing, bandwidth, and broader policy constraints, including federal tariffs and delays in clean energy initiatives.
Local organizations and residents also shared public testimony highlighting the real-world impacts of rising energy costs, aging infrastructure, and the need for equitable investment in clean energy solutions that do not place additional burdens on the city’s most vulnerable populations. All participants agreed that as energy policy continues to evolve at both the state and federal level, ongoing collaboration and sustained pressure will be essential to ensure energy that is affordable, reliable, and fair for all New Yorkers.
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