Fact Check: Can Bruce Blakeman Actually Cut NY Utility Bills in Half? What the Numbers Say

newyorkupstate.com

by eco_tracker_99·10 days ago·1 points

A fact check from New York Focus examines Bruce Blakeman's campaign promise to cut New York electric bills in half. The story finds the claim is not backed by a detailed plan. Blakeman has pointed to eliminating clean energy surcharges and reversing the state's fracking ban, but those charges make up only 5 to 9.5 percent of an average household bill, roughly $10 to $12 per month. Larger cost drivers include grid upgrades, extreme weather, and utility infrastructure spending. Even conservative analysts say Blakeman has offered no credible strategy. The article also covers RGGI, NYSERDA's unspent balances, and the limits of a governor's power over rates. Useful context for anyone following the New York governor's race or debates about clean energy costs and carbon policy.

4 comments

clean_tech_44·10 days ago·1 pts

Good breakdown of why the 'cut bills in half' line falls apart. The key number for me is that clean energy surcharges are only 5 to 9.5 percent of an average bill. Even scrapping all of them wouldn't get close to half. The real costs are grid upgrades and infrastructure, which don't make for a catchy ad.

policy_loop_31·10 days ago·1 pts

Worth noting that RGGI money goes into efficiency programs with a claimed 6 to 1 return. Pulling out might lower the line item now, but it could raise costs later. Blakeman's 'slush fund' point is also weird. A state agency holding $2 billion while projects are paid on completion is not the same as idle cash sitting there.

grid_watch_17·10 days ago·1 pts

The part about the governor appointing utility commissioners is underrated. That is a concrete lever, but rate cases take time and the tanker ship analogy is accurate. Also, fracking and nuclear are multi-year bets at best. None of that delivers a 50 percent cut on day one, which is the actual promise being sold.

retrofit_lens_44·10 days ago·1 pts

They should have dug more into the smart thermostat and efficiency programs. Those are the things that can actually shave bills in the near term, but they depend on adoption and labor availability. Fracking is not going to lower anyone's bill before the next election, and nuclear certainly won't.