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Rep. Josh Riley Launches Online Tool to Aid Constituents with Energy Bill Savings

Rep. Josh Riley Launches Online Tool to Aid Constituents with Energy Bill Savings

Rep. Josh Riley has introduced a new online tool designed to help residents of New York’s 19th Congressional District determine their eligibility for programs that can reduce energy bills. The tool, accessible via a dedicated website, allows users to answer a few questions to quickly ascertain if they qualify for federal and state assistance programs aimed at lowering utility costs. Rep. Riley stated that the initiative was developed by his office to simplify the process of accessing available aid, acknowledging that the existing governmental systems can be confusing and often deter eligible individuals from applying. He emphasized that the goal is to ensure that constituents can keep more of their earnings, especially as winter approaches and heating costs rise. The tool provides information on eligibility and guidance on how to apply for these programs.

Xcel Energy Offers Winter Energy-Saving Tips and Payment Plans Amidst Rising Costs

Xcel Energy Offers Winter Energy-Saving Tips and Payment Plans Amidst Rising Costs

As colder weather approaches Texas and New Mexico, Xcel Energy is providing customers with tips and programs to help manage their energy bills. The utility acknowledges that families are facing tighter budgets and encourages customers to utilize available resources. Energy-saving tips include lowering thermostats, installing smart thermostats, regularly replacing furnace filters, opening drapes during the day for sunlight, running ceiling fans clockwise to circulate warm air, and opening interior doors for consistent heating. Xcel Energy also offers various payment programs, such as Payment Arrangement for splitting bills, Average Monthly Payment for predictable billing, and Custom Due Date options. Customers experiencing difficulties are urged to contact Xcel Energy to discuss payment plans and access community energy assistance programs.

Rep. Josh Riley's Office Announces House Passage of Veterans' Benefits Bills

Rep. Josh Riley's Office Announces House Passage of Veterans' Benefits Bills

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed two bills aimed at enhancing veterans' benefits, according to an announcement from the office of Rep. Josh Riley, who represents New York’s 19th Congressional District. Rep. Riley co-sponsored both measures. The first, the Major Richard Star Act, seeks to eliminate an offset that currently prevents medically retired veterans from receiving both their full retirement pay and disability benefits, a situation described by Riley's office as the 'wounded warrior tax.' The second bill, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act, is designed to increase certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits to keep pace with rising living costs. While the House has passed these measures, the announcement from Riley's office did not specify when higher payments would begin or confirm if either measure has become law. Additionally, Riley's office highlighted other veterans-related legislation he has supported, including the VET PFAS Act, introduced in May 202...

Multnomah County Office of Sustainability Advocates for 'FAIR Energy Act' to Reform Oregon Energy Rates

Multnomah County Office of Sustainability Advocates for 'FAIR Energy Act' to Reform Oregon Energy Rates

The Multnomah County Office of Sustainability is actively working to secure fair energy rates in Oregon, particularly in response to rising electricity demand from data centers and increasing consumer energy bills. This effort is bolstered by the passage of the FAIR Energy Act (House Bill 3179) and Senate Bill 688 (Performance-Based Regulation) in the 2025 Oregon legislative session. These laws aim to reform how rates are set for privately owned energy utilities, including Pacific Power, Portland General Electric, and NW Natural, which serve Multnomah County. A key feature of the FAIR Energy Act is the introduction of Multiyear Rate Plans (MRPs), which place utilities on a five-year budget for most costs, indexed to inflation and adjusted for growth and efficiency. This contrasts with the previous system where utilities could request rate increases more frequently and pass costs directly to consumers. The Office of Sustainability, in collaboration with a coalition of consumer and environmental justice advo...

Wisconsin Households Could Save $380 on Electricity Bills by 2028 Through Policy Reforms on Utility Profits and Data Centers

Wisconsin Households Could Save $380 on Electricity Bills by 2028 Through Policy Reforms on Utility Profits and Data Centers

A new independent analysis by 5 Lakes Energy indicates that the average Wisconsin household could save $380 on their electricity bill by 2028. This potential saving hinges on state lawmakers and regulators implementing specific policy actions aimed at curbing utility profits and ensuring large energy users, particularly data centers, contribute their fair share to electricity costs. The analysis proposes three key policy interventions: requiring data centers to cover their full grid costs plus an additional 2 cent per kWh surcharge, lowering the authorized return on equity for investor-owned utilities, and expanding investments in clean energy, energy efficiency, and electrification. Data centers are projected to account for approximately 25% of Wisconsin's electricity generation by 2028, creating significant pressure on the electric grid. Without these reforms, households and small businesses risk subsidizing the energy demands of these large corporations.

Senator Tina Smith Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Allow Peace Corps Logo on Gravestones

U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) has introduced bipartisan legislation, the Memorializing Peace Corps Service Act, aimed at permitting the use of the official Peace Corps seal, emblem, and logo on gravestones, plaques, and death announcements for deceased Peace Corps volunteers, officers, and staff. The current law prohibits such use, preventing families from honoring their loved ones' service in this manner. The bill was inspired by Susan, a Minnesotan who was unable to engrave the Peace Corps symbol on her brother Thomas (Tom) W. Stieve's gravestone. Tom served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kiribati and later as a Peace Corps-sponsored United Nations volunteer in Vanuatu in the 1980s. Despite his significant service, current regulations prevented his sister from including the Peace Corps logo on his memorial. Senator Smith emphasized that volunteering with the Peace Corps is a profound dedication to service that should be recognized posthumously.

New Mexico Governor's Council Releases Plan to Protect Ratepayers and Strengthen Grid

New Mexico Governor's Council Releases Plan to Protect Ratepayers and Strengthen Grid

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's Energy Affordability and Grid Reliability Council has issued 22 recommendations aimed at safeguarding New Mexico electricity customers and enhancing the state's power grid amidst increasing demand. The council, comprising leaders from electric utilities, rural electric cooperatives, consumer advocates, and energy experts, focused on affordability, reliability, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Key recommendations include statewide ratepayer protections, a rate framework for large electricity users to prevent existing customers from bearing higher costs, and incentives for large users to reduce consumption during peak grid strain. The plan also advocates for wider adoption of technologies to boost existing transmission line capacity, expansion of transmission and storage infrastructure, and better integration of renewable energy sources. These recommendations are expected to inform the 2027 legislative session, which commences in January.

Nashville Mayor Announces Pilot Program to Reduce Energy Costs for Low-Income Residents Affected by Winter Storm Fern

Nashville Mayor Announces Pilot Program to Reduce Energy Costs for Low-Income Residents Affected by Winter Storm Fern

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell has launched PowerBack Nashville, a new pilot program designed to help low-income residents reduce their energy costs. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving Metro Nashville, CLEAResult, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Rebuilding Together Nashville, and United Way of Greater Nashville. The program specifically targets households that sustained damage during Winter Storm Fern. PowerBack Nashville will offer free home improvements to selected low-income households, aiming to enhance home safety, comfort, and resilience against future extreme weather events. Up to 100 households will receive a professional home energy assessment, energy-saving items like LED light bulbs and faucet aerators, and information on additional resources. Among these, 25 to 30 homes will benefit from a comprehensive package of no-cost insulation, air sealing, HVAC services, and duct cleaning. This program is the latest effort by the Mayor’s Office Innovation Team (i-team) to develop so...

PECO Offers Rebates and Programs to Help Customers Manage Winter Energy Costs in 2026

PECO Offers Rebates and Programs to Help Customers Manage Winter Energy Costs in 2026

PECO is providing a range of programs and rebates in 2026 to help its customers manage winter energy costs and improve home energy efficiency. These initiatives include rebates for major appliances, new efficient home builds, and solar panels, with a particular emphasis on heat pumps, which are now highly efficient even in cold temperatures. According to Tom Hill, PECO’s senior energy efficiency program manager, small changes around the home can significantly impact heating system efficiency. PECO also offers free energy checkups for households at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL), which include energy-saving installations and safety checks. For other customers, a similar Energy Assessment program is available for $49, with an enhanced version for electric heat users. Additionally, PECO provides Budget Billing to stabilize monthly payments and offers financial assistance programs like the Customer Assistance Program (CAP) and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which open...

Senator Jeanne Shaheen Embarks on Retirement Tour, Reflects on Decades of Public Service

Senator Jeanne Shaheen Embarks on Retirement Tour, Reflects on Decades of Public Service

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire has begun her retirement tour, with her first stop in Whitefield. Shaheen, who will retire in a matter of weeks just before her 80th birthday, has served as New Hampshire's first elected female governor starting in 1997 and subsequently as a U.S. Senator. During her career, she has been recognized for expanding public kindergarten and children's health insurance, overturning a century-old abortion ban, opening adoption for LGBTQ parents, and working to lower electric rates. A video shown at the event highlighted her career achievements, including trade missions that brought new business and jobs to New Hampshire. Republican Jim Steiner praised her bipartisan approach, while many Democrats also expressed gratitude for her work on environmental, healthcare, and business issues in the North Country. She will be succeeded by Congressman Chris Pappas.

Massachusetts Legislators Debate Energy Bills to Address Affordability and Climate Goals

Massachusetts Legislators Debate Energy Bills to Address Affordability and Climate Goals

Massachusetts legislators are currently debating energy bills in both the House and Senate, aiming to address energy affordability and climate change. A key focus of these bills is reforming 'Basic Service,' the default electricity supply option provided by utilities. Currently, Basic Service customers face higher premiums due to utilities' reliance on short-term contracts and limited power suppliers, leading to increased bills. Synapse Energy Economics estimates these premiums add $22 per month for residential customers. Both legislative chambers have included provisions to give utilities more flexibility in signing power supply contracts, which could reduce price volatility and dependency on a few suppliers. Additionally, both bills propose requiring major utilities to offer 'flexible interconnection' for clean energy projects, a method that has successfully boosted solar, wind, and battery installations in Texas by reducing connection costs.

Henderson City Commission Tables Contentious HMP Electricity Rate Increase Amid Public Opposition

Henderson City Commission Tables Contentious HMP Electricity Rate Increase Amid Public Opposition

The Henderson City Commission has postponed a decision on a proposed 21% electricity rate increase over two years by Henderson Municipal Power & Light (HMP&L). The proposed increase, which would be implemented in four steps starting January 1, 2027, and concluding by June 1, 2028, has drawn significant opposition from residents concerned about affordability. HMP&L General Manager Brad Bickett argued that the rate hike is necessary to cover a 15% increase in power contract costs and to maintain the utility's financial stability, including its 180-day reserves and debt management. He warned that delaying the increase could lead to even higher rates in the future and potential default on power contracts. However, residents, including Willie Ruby and Taylor Heady, expressed concerns about the impact on low-income individuals, senior citizens, and those on fixed incomes, stating they cannot afford any increase.