VIDEO VAULT: Albany's Energy Policies Are Failing New Yorkers

New York Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt says Albany's energy policies are raising utility costs and threatening the reliability of the state's electric grid. Ortt discussed the issue with South Shore Press Managing Editor Stefan Mychajliw while guest hosting NewsRadio 930 WBEN following a business tour in North Tonawanda.

Stefan Mychajliw: You toured Confer Plastics today. What was your message?

Sen. Rob Ortt: Confer Plastics is a third-generation manufacturer employing about 150 people. They compete worldwide and depend on affordable, reliable electricity. Their biggest concern isn't just cost—it's making sure the power is there every day.

Mychajliw: You say Albany's policies are making that more difficult.

Ortt: Governor Hochul and legislative Democrats continue pushing all-electric mandates while the electric grid is becoming less reliable. Businesses need dependable power, yet we're restricting energy sources instead of strengthening the grid.

Mychajliw: Republicans say they have another approach.

Ortt: We do. Our conference has introduced proposals that would reduce electric bills by eliminating costly state surcharges and reversing policies that increase costs while reducing reliability. New Yorkers are paying more and getting less.

Mychajliw: You also raised concerns about exemptions.

Ortt: The new Buffalo Bills stadium received a natural gas exemption to heat the field. Micron received one too. If these policies are truly the right answer, why do major projects receive exceptions while homeowners and small businesses don't?

Mychajliw: So what's the larger issue?

Ortt: New York is importing a significant share of its electricity because we can't meet demand ourselves. Manufacturers like Confer Plastics need reliable power to preserve jobs and remain competitive. Families deserve affordable energy, too. If we continue down this path, we'll keep exporting jobs, importing electricity and paying higher utility bills. If New Yorkers want a different direction, they need to elect leaders willing to change these policies and put affordability, reliability and economic growth ahead of political ideology.