As Utility Bills Soar & Trump Cuts Energy Aid, NYers Rally Outside Assembly NYC Office to Demand NY HEAT Act

With 1.5 million New York families at risk of losing ability to pay energy bills w/ LIHEAP staff cuts, NYers Demand Quick Action from State Assembly; NY HEAT Act will cut utility bills by an average of $136/month for people who need it most while curbing utility rate hikes affecting everyday families statewide

NEW YORK, NY (04/03/2025) (readMedia)-- As the Trump administration lays off all staffers for LIHEAP, essentially halting the program, and National Grid again raises gas rates and forces families to pay $40 more every month for the same heat, New Yorkers are rallying with their high energy bills to demand that the Assembly pass the NY HEAT Act NOW. Since 2023, National Grid has repeatedly raised rates on customers - and their newest rate hike will be followed by another $20 monthly increase in 2026! This comes as the Trump administration announced it has terminated the entire staff of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP - which more than 1.7 million New York households depend on to pay their heating bills each winter.

The NY HEAT Act would limit the amount households are forced to pay for dirty, fracked gas, alleviate rate hikes like those from National Grid, and save families who need help most an average of $136 each month on their bills. 1 in 4 New Yorkers already can't afford energy prices - and a clear majority need policies to make life more affordable for them. Now, New Yorkers are demanding the Assembly step up to deliver for struggling families and protect them from greedy corporations driving up our bills and polluting our communities.

This event will be livestreamed.

WHEN: Friday, April 4th at 12:00pm

WHERE: In front of Assembly offices at 250 Broadway, New York, NY, 10007

WHO:

Food & Water Watch, Spring Street Climate Fund

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VISUALS: New Yorkers waving their utility bills outside State Assembly office in Lower Manhattan