POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (May 12, 2026) – Senator Rolison’s bill, S.8463, was moved forward on Tuesday by the Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee and referred to the Senate Energy Committee for further consideration. The legislation would establish a one-year utility bill tax and surcharge holiday and a two-year green energy tax holiday to help lower costs for homeowners, families and small businesses across New York State.

State Senator Rob Rolison is calling on the Senate Energy Committee to quickly advance his utility tax holiday legislation to the Senate floor for a full vote, saying New Yorkers need immediate relief from skyrocketing utility costs now, not five to ten years from now.

“This legislation needs to move through the Energy Committee as quickly as possible and be brought to the Senate floor for a vote and passed,” said Senator Rolison. “Hardworking families and small businesses are being crushed by skyrocketing utility costs, and they need immediate relief, not in five to ten years. This is a common-sense proposal and right now, this is the only bill on the table that would provide direct, immediate relief, and the Senate should act to pass it.”

New Yorkers are currently facing some of the highest energy costs in the nation, particularly for residential electricity and natural gas bills. Residential electricity rates in New York are now approximately 50% higher than the national average.