NY Leaders Weigh Utility Cost Offsets With $2.6 Billion Credit

New York leaders are considering utility rebates for residents as energy affordability concerns grow, the state budget director said Wednesday.

Budget Director Blake Washington said the one-time, $2.6 billion proposal to offset utility costs for ratepayers is “still very much alive” as negotiations continue between legislative leaders and Gov. Kathy Hochul. Democrats first floated the plan in the state Assembly earlier this month.

“We’ll keep an open mind on all this stuff,” Washington told reporters, adding Hochul has been focused on “energy affordability.” The rebate plan is “something, among all the leaders, very near and dear, and it’s still very ...