As extreme cold rocks upstate New York, one legislator is calling on the state to create an independent consumer advocate to help bring down high-energy costs for residential customers.
111th District Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara is supporting a measure that would establish the New York State Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate, similar to offices that exist in 40 other states in the nation.
"A consumer advocate would give customers a real say, representing the residential customers, helping them save money on utilities, helping hold providers accountable. Commercial customers and utilities have long had this representation."
Santabarbara says New Yorkers currently pay 50 percent above the national average for electricity, resulting in utility bills that are especially burdensome to struggling families and older New Yorkers living on fixed incomes.
