**Mayor Patterson-Howard Calls for Affordable, Predictable Energy in Senate Testimony**

WASHINGTON, DC — Climate Mayors member, Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard delivered powerful testimony before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, urging federal leaders to prioritize affordable and predictable energy for American families.

Drawing from the experiences of her constituents, Patterson-Howard described the growing financial strain caused by rising utility costs. In Westchester County, where electricity and gas prices rank among the highest in the nation, families are increasingly forced to make difficult tradeoffs. She shared the story of a longtime resident who received a $1,100 utility bill—despite using less than $350 worth of energy—due to steep delivery charges.

“These are not isolated cases,” Patterson-Howard emphasized. “Families are being forced to choose between staying warm, putting food on the table, or maintaining their homes.”

The mayor highlighted how volatile energy costs also impact local governments, limiting their ability to invest in essential services such as education, public safety, and programs for youth and seniors. She pointed to a recent regional effort in which Mount Vernon joined 40 municipalities to push back against proposed utility rate hikes. While the group successfully negotiated reduced increases, Patterson-Howard stressed that more must be done to ensure long-term affordability.

Locally, Mount Vernon is advancing a range of clean energy initiatives aimed at lowering costs and increasing efficiency. These include partnerships to expand heat pump installations, develop a geothermal network serving thousands of homes and businesses, and deploy advanced energy management technologies. Together, these efforts are designed to reduce waste, stabilize costs, and build a more resilient energy system.

Patterson-Howard also referenced her recent participation in an international delegation of U.S. mayors, where local leaders reaffirmed their commitment to reducing fossil fuel dependence and protecting both public health and economic stability.

In closing, she called on Congress to take decisive action. “Energy stability isn’t just a utility issue,” she said. “It is an economic, public health, and moral imperative.”

Her testimony underscored a clear message: ensuring affordable, reliable energy is essential not only for household stability, but for the strength and resilience of communities nationwide.