ALBANY, N.Y. (WENY) -- As energy bills rise for many, New York lawmakers are pushing for new relief in this year's state budget.

Since 2022, every major utility company in New York has raised prices at least once, according to legislators. NYSEG has raised rates at least twice in the past two years, with another one planned for May of 2025.

The Home Energy Affordable Transition Act (HEAT) aims to stop utility companies from charging customers for new gas pipeline projects, and would push companies to find cheaper forms of energy, according to lawmakers.

The bill could save those who already can not pay their bills an average of $136 each month. Over a million New Yorkers owe over $1 billion dollars to utility companies.

The State Senate included the act in their version of the state budget, and are now asking the Assembly to do the same.

"New Yorkers expect state lawmakers to address the affordability crisis and lower their bills. The NY HEAT Act would stop utility companies from continuing to squeeze everyday families' wallets, protect us from future price hikes, and actually lower bills for those who need it," said Lisa Marshall, Advocacy and Organizing Director New Yorkers for Clean Power. "The Senate recognized the need to put families first and included the bill in their budget - but for the third year in a row, the Assembly is once again failing to get it done despite broad support across the chamber. We need more than just passive support. We need our Assembly Members to stop holding up relief and finally deliver by passing the NY HEAT Act in the final budget."

The New York State budget is required to be approved by April 1.