In response to federal energy tariffs and retaliatory Canadian actions, Gov. Hochul demands a review of energy cost increases, aiming to protect New Yorkers from the financial burden of rising utility prices

New York – Governor Kathy Hochul is taking urgent action to address the potential fallout from federal energy tariffs and the retaliatory measures imposed by Canada, which could send utility costs soaring across New York. In a decisive move, she has directed the Department of Public Service (DPS) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to conduct a rapid and thorough review of the tariffs’ effects on energy prices and power supply reliability.

These tariffs, originally imposed by the Trump administration, have already sparked serious concerns among policymakers, businesses, and consumers alike. Designed with little transparency and questionable economic justification, the measures have not only driven up energy costs but also created uncertainty in New York’s energy market.

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Governor Hochul minced no words in her criticism of the policy, calling it “bad public policy” and demanding its immediate repeal. If President Trump refuses to act, she insists that Congress must step in to protect New Yorkers from what she describes as an avoidable financial burden.

Senator Charles Schumer echoed the Governor’s frustration, warning that the tariffs—particularly those on Canadian energy imports—are already hitting New Yorkers where it hurts: their wallets. The senator pointed out that New York has long depended on a stable and affordable energy partnership with Canada, particularly when it comes to hydroelectric power.

Any disruption in that relationship, he argued, could drive up electricity and heating costs from Buffalo to the Bronx, placing additional strain on families and businesses already struggling with inflation and high living expenses.

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In response to the growing alarm, Governor Hochul has ordered DPS and NYSERDA to complete their review within seven days. The review will focus on several key areas, including the projected cost increases for electricity, natural gas, and heating fuels, as well as vulnerabilities in the energy supply chain.

Special attention will be given to regions like the North Country, where alternative energy sources are limited, making the impact of the tariffs even more severe. Additionally, the review will assess how these tariffs will affect ratepayers and businesses, identifying affordability challenges that could arise if prices continue to climb.

Governor Hochul is also considering a bold transparency measure that would make the costs of these tariffs impossible to ignore. As part of the review, state agencies will examine the feasibility of adding a “Trump Tariff” line item to utility bills. The idea is simple: New Yorkers should know exactly how much these policies are costing them every month. By making the financial impact clear and visible, Hochul hopes to build pressure for policy changes at the federal level.

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Meanwhile, Canadian officials have not hesitated to respond to the U.S. tariffs with retaliatory actions of their own, further exacerbating the situation. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has implemented countermeasures that could significantly disrupt the flow of energy exports to New York, adding yet another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile market.

Given New York’s heavy reliance on Canadian energy imports, any prolonged trade dispute could have serious consequences, particularly as the state heads into the peak energy consumption seasons.

Governor Hochul’s swift response underscores the urgency of the issue. With energy costs already a major concern for New Yorkers, the last thing residents and businesses need is additional instability caused by political maneuvering at the federal level.

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The results of the state’s review will provide a much-needed transparent accounting of just how much these tariffs are costing New Yorkers and, more importantly, what can be done to mitigate their impact before the situation worsens.