New York, NY – The Utility Customers Association issued the following statement in response to Governor Hochul’s Climate Week announcement of nearly a gigawatt of battery storage contracts awarded, alongside other steps forward for renewable energy development and steps to tackle costs for energy consumers.

Patrick Robbins, Campaign Director at the Utility Customers Association, said:

“Governor Hochul’s battery storage announcement is an important step forward for utility customers who are facing skyrocketing utility bills. Batteries can help lower bills for New Yorkers by reducing the need for dirty and expensive power plants that drive up costs for consumers. Governor Hochul is absolutely right to focus on moving batteries forward for New York as a key component of the State’s energy plan.

“For utility customers, the proof will be in the pudding. Can Governor Hochul ensure that these batteries make it through permitting and interconnection hurdles to get up and running and helping to control costs? Can the Governor succeed at stabilizing electricity prices for families that are paying too much? 

“The Utility Customers Association will work to make sure New Yorkers realize the full potential of Governor Hochul's announcement: batteries built quickly, lower utility bills for consumers, and affordable, reliable, clean energy for New Yorkers across the state.” 

The Utility Customers Association has been a leading consumer voice for battery storage in New York, organizing utility customers in New York City to oppose Con Ed’s costly de facto moratorium on battery storage and coordinating pro-battery efforts with legislators and allies including Senator Kevin Parker, Assembly Member Claire Valdez and actor, musician and utility consumer advocate Ice-T.

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