On Tuesday, Assembly Republicans in New York state unveiled a “Lights On With Energy Relief (LOWER) Plan” in response to growing concerns statewide about out-of-control energy costs and grid reliability. Days later, a memo from the New York state Energy Research and Development Agency brought additional shock value.

Part of the communication from NYSERDA — reported Thursday by downstate media outlets — noted that by 2031, estimates indicate households “would likely experience gross cost impacts in excess of $4,1000 annually.”

Republicans across the state were quick to respond. “The recent memo from NYSERDA confirms what Senate Republicans have been saying for years: the (Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act) is unrealistic, unattainable and completely unaffordable for New Yorkers. If New Yorkers think they are struggling with utility bills now, wait until they are forced to pay more than $5 per gallon at the pump and an additional $4,000 per year to heat their homes,” said Rob Ortt, Senate Republican leader. “Democrats’ green energy mandates are at the core of the affordability crisis – New Yorkers need relief now. We need to repeal the CLCPA and focus on a diversified energy portfolio to keep affordable energy options accessible throughout the state.”

Unveiled in 2019, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act was one of the most ambitious climate laws in the nation that includes recommendations that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions of 40% by 2030 and 85% by 2050 from 1990 levels.

At the moment, however, the effort has stressed portions of the grid while adding costs to consumers. Republicans highlighted these challenges in Albany earlier this week.

“From blackouts to bloated heating bills, a harsh reality has set in New York’s energy consumers. While Democrats have signaled little concern or willingness to address skyrocketing costs, Assembly Republicans refuse to sit idle while people are forced to decide between heating their homes or feeding their families,” said Assembly Republican Leader Ed Ra. “Our LOWER Plan looks to tackle the current crisis head on, by getting immediate relief into the hands of New Yorkers and facilitating improved power generation to meet growing demand.”

The LOWER Plan, Republicans said, is a comprehensive approach that promises to deliver where the governor and legislative majorities have failed. The first part of the Assembly Republican proposal includes quick relief initiatives aimed at reducing costs and putting money back into hardworking New Yorkers’ pockets. It includes an Energy Price Rebate Check Program, Utility Bill Credits and an immediate reinvestment into previously retired gas plants and investment in new natural gas plants.

Last week in Dunkirk, both state Sen. George Borrello and Assemblyman Andrew Molitor joined U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy in calling for the repowering of the coal-fired NRG plant to a natural gas model.

“My goal is simple,” Molitor said this week. “An energy policy grounded in engineering and common sense. We can protect our environment and strengthen our grid without bankrupting working families. It is time for Albany to put families first.”

But the majority party in the capital seems to keep digging in its heels. State Sen. Pete Harckham, chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, voiced his opposition on Friday to state Budget Director Blake Washington’s recent statement regarding the rolling back of the CLCPA.

“It is time to finally reject the false equivalents put forth by the oil and gas industry. The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) recently reported that the main driver of high utility costs is natural gas, not renewables,” the Democrat said. “Ninety-five percent of the world’s new energy generation, and 100% in the petrol state of Texas — saving their ratepayers $30 billion over the last 10 years — has been in renewable energy sources because they are lower costing and faster to scale.”

In January, the Empire Center for Public Policy Inc. reported that state households pay some of the highest electricity prices in the nation, raising affordability concerns. The center said in October, the average residential electricity price in New York hit 26.95 cents per kilowatt-hour — about 50% higher than the U.S. average and among the top 10 highest rates nationwide. Moreover, prices rose 7.6 percent compared to a year ago, faster than the U.S. average.