A months-long state-level investigation on New York utilities and pricing practices has revealed deficiencies on the part of power producers across the state. The investigation recommends changes including stronger oversight, annual audits and greater transparency to tackle a number of regulatory gaps.

For consumers, this could mean improved communications with utility companies and lower energy bills.

Michaelangelo Pomarico is a people person. Engaging with community members is critical to his work as a community organizer with Democratic Socialists of America. Pomarico wants the Democratic supermajority in Albany to support New Yorkers who are hit hardest by the affordability crisis: affordability of housing, health care and utility.

Pomarico is on the front lines of the fight for a sustainable and affordable New York. He’s pushing for state lawmakers to pass a major piece of legislation called the “Build Public Renewables Act.”

He believes in decreasing dependence on fossil fuels and moving New York toward clean energy.

“This bill would allow the state to build publicly-owned renewable energy,” Pomarico said. “It would also lower energy costs for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers.”

He says the winter months bring extra stress for some households dealing with skyrocketing energy bills.

“I’ve talked to senior citizens who are paying 50% or more of their income on their utility bill,” he said. “I’ve talked to young people who are struggling to find affordable housing and pay for utilities.”

A report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration says an average U.S. household that uses natural gas for heating will spend about $930 this winter. That’s nearly 30% more compared to last winter.

Spectrum News 1 reached out to Central Hudson, which has been mired in controversy over its billing practices and mismanagement.

In a statement, Joe Jenkins, Associate Director of Media Relations with the energy company, said, “Central Hudson has devoted a tremendous amount of resources to stabilizing our new customer information system and we have made significant progress in doing so.

“We know elevated energy supply prices have had an impact on customer bills and are a cause of concern and stress for many of them. Central Hudson purchases electricity and gas from producers and we distribute it to our customers; we do not mark up, nor profit in any way from these supply charges.”

Pomarico says this work empowers him, and he sees hope for a brighter future for all New Yorkers.

“The work that we are committed to doing as organizers is to ensure that we can have a beautiful future, that we can win the things that we need to live a dignified life,” Pomarico said.