Hochul and Blakeman clash over energy policy as New York bills rise
In a final debate, Governor Kathy Hochul defended her clean energy strategy while challenger Bruce Blakeman blamed renewables for high costs and pledged to revive fracking, as data shows residential electricity bills rose 10 percent from 2024 to 2025.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman debated sharply contrasting energy policies Tuesday night, less than three weeks before Election Day. The clash centered on affordability as average residential electricity bills in the state rose 10 percent from 2024 to 2025, giving New York the eighth-highest residential electricity prices in the country.
Hochul defended her 'all of the above' energy strategy, which includes developing renewable energy and expanding nuclear power. She emphasized her push to build more nuclear power in the state but did not say whether she would reopen the Indian Point plant, which closed in 2021. Bruce Blakeman attacked the state's clean energy programs, calling them a 'slush fund' for 'science projects,' such as offshore wind farms and solar panels that he claimed were 'ruining agriculture.' He pledged to revive fracking, which was banned statewide over a decade ago due to public health concerns, and offered few other details about his energy policy.
Drivers behind rising bills
While political debate focused on renewables, state data shows decarbonization programs account for only a portion of residential electricity costs. A 2025 Public Service Commission report found that measures mandated by New York’s Climate Act made up between 5 and 9.5 percent of a typical monthly residential electric bill in 2024. Most of the bill reflects the cost of buying and delivering electricity.
Rate increases are also tied to an over-reliance on gas-fired power generation and surging electricity demand. Utilities are investing more in expanding electrical infrastructure to accommodate new power generators and customers. Growing electricity demand is driven partly by data centers, building electrification, and manufacturing. The state’s grid operator faces a growing backlog of applications from proposed data centers. Hochul touted her executive order for a yearlong statewide moratorium on data centers and pledged to require new facilities to 'bring their own power.'
Political framing of affordability
Both candidates tied energy costs to broader economic narratives. Hochul described herself as laser-focused on affordability. She pointed to her administration’s energy rebate policy, which will send checks of up to $200 to 8.2 million households to offset rising costs. She did not answer whether the rebates would become an annual benefit.
Blakeman argued that taxes, utility bills, and state regulations are putting pressure on residents. He aligned himself with President Donald Trump, recently praising him at a rally. During the debate, Hochul challenged Blakeman over Trump administration policies, including tariffs, which she said contributed to higher prices. Blakeman defended his praise, saying political rallies are designed to energize supporters. He blamed Hochul's administration for the state's economic challenges.
Recent polling data suggests Hochul leads Blakeman by around 12 percentage points. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, with Hochul maintaining that polling lead over her challenger.
