Residents, Advocates Demand State Reject National Fuel Rate Hike + Pass NY HEAT Act Ahead of Public Hearing

Community members will speak against dire impact of proposed 29.3% delivery rate increase, call on state lawmakers to pass NY HEAT Act to rein in soaring costs

BUFFALO, NY (01/24/2024) (readMedia)-- On Wednesday, January 24th, residents, advocates and other community members will rally against National Fuel's proposed rate hike at a public hearing organized by the Public Service Commission (PSC). Attendees from across Western New York will also call on lawmakers to pass the NY HEAT Act to provide urgent relief to families impacted by high energy bills. National Fuel is proposing a drastic 29.3% hike of delivery rates to customers, which would devastate families struggling to keep the heat on in winter and exacerbate the state's affordability crisis.

The NY HEAT Act, which passed in the NYS Senate last year, would begin New York's transition off the outdated, expensive fracked gas system and limit the amount families have to pay for energy relative to their income, saving low- and middle-income families up to $75 each month. It would also reduce future rate hikes driven by billions in spending for new pipes, like the one proposed by National Fuel. Governor Hochul embraced key parts of the HEAT Act, and now lawmakers have an opportunity to deliver relief for families by including the bill in their one-house budgets.

The group will meet outside the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library to share stories ahead of a public hearing at the library, where potentially impacted residents will speak about the impacts of the rate hike. The event will be livestreamed here.

When: Wednesday, January 24th at 5:00pm EST

Who: PUSH Buffalo

Where: Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, 1 Lafayette Circle, Buffalo, NY 14203