Unions Criticize Rep. Josh Riley's Utility Bill Proposals

Labor and construction industry organizations have voiced strong opposition to Democratic Rep. Josh Riley's proposed legislation aimed at reducing utility bills. Riley, representing a district in the Hudson Valley, has promoted two bills intended to lower energy costs by restricting executive bonuses when rates increase faster than inflation and by prohibiting foreign ownership of utilities.

Union leaders argue that these bills are misguided and will not achieve their stated goals. Steve Carroll, president and business manager of IBEW Local 320, stated, "These bills will not lower costs or change the work that needs to be done." He emphasized the importance of investing in the electrical grid and the skilled local workforce responsible for maintaining it.

Todd Diorio, president of the Hudson Valley Building and Construction Trades Council, echoed these sentiments, noting that while Riley is considered a friend to labor, the proposed legislation does not address the actual needs of workers and communities. "Our members want lower bills and more reliable power, and we don’t see these bills providing either," Diorio said.

Roman Cefali, business manager and financial secretary of IBEW Local 10, criticized Riley for focusing on taking on utility companies without addressing the daily needs of workers and customers. "Congressman Riley continues to say that he’s ‘taking on utilities’ without addressing the day-to-day needs of its workers or customers," Cefali stated.

In response, Riley's senior adviser, Mauranda Evans, defended the congressman's efforts. She highlighted Riley's push for $2.5 million in funding for a new line-worker training facility at SUNY Delhi and his calls for grid investment. "Josh’s fight is with foreign-owned utility monopolies taking hundreds of millions out of Upstate while demanding families pay more," Evans said. She cited examples such as NYSEG sending $450 million to its Spanish parent company while seeking rate increases, and Central Hudson sending approximately $80 million annually to its Canadian parent company.

Riley, who has represented the district since 2025, is seeking re-election. His opponent in the upcoming election is GOP State Senator Peter Oberacker. The district, which spans from the Catskills to Ithaca, has over 540,000 registered voters, with a slight Democratic majority. Election Day is November 3rd.