Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C–Walden) is calling out Albany’s failed energy policies after the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) reported dramatic spikes in electricity prices across New York, with Day-Ahead Market prices surging to unprecedented levels.
On Jan. 28, NYISO data showed extreme price volatility in every region of the state, with prices nearing $1,000 per megawatt-hour—far above historical norms.
The NYISO analysis shows multiple factors driving the volatility, including major generator outages, natural gas supply constraints, rising fuel prices and growing demand—all compounded by state policies that have reduced reliable baseload power.
Meghan Hurlburt, chief of staff and spokesperson for Assemblyman Maher, said the timing of the volatility is impossible to ignore.
“The turning point on this graph coincides with the shift to one-party control in Albany and a series of energy policy decisions that prioritized ideology over reliability,” Hurlburt said. “Since then, volatility has increased and families are paying the price. New Yorkers deserve balanced leadership and real accountability in state government.”
Maher noted that since Democrats took full control of state government in 2018, energy prices have become increasingly volatile, with sharp spikes accelerating after major plant closures and aggressive electrification mandates. According to the analysis, declining generation capacity, rising fuel costs and increased demand without adequate investment in new supply are placing unprecedented strain on New York’s grid and driving household utility bills higher.
Maher is calling for a balanced, all-of-the-above energy strategy that prioritizes reliability, affordability and energy choice for consumers.