NY Democrats and Republicans Unite to Criticize NYPA Over $7.5M Private Plane

New York’s top Democratic and Republican leaders are calling out the New York Power Authority (NYPA) for its continued use of a $7.5 million private plane that transports executives to press conferences, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and monthly board meetings.

The controversy follows an investigative report published in September by the pillarperspectives.com Network, which revealed that NYPA executives flew on the turboprop aircraft for routine public events instead of relying on more cost-effective transportation. The aircraft, staffed by three full-time pilots earning six-figure salaries, burns tens of thousands of gallons of jet fuel every year — raising major concerns about waste and environmental impact.

Bipartisan Backlash Over Plane Usage

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins condemned the spending, calling it “unacceptable” while New Yorkers face rising energy bills and uncertainty about winter heating costs.

“The agency responsible for providing power is wasting millions of taxpayer dollars on a private jet. This must stop immediately,” she said.

Republican Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt echoed the criticism. His district includes one of NYPA’s hydroelectric facilities, and he accused the authority of hypocrisy.

“NYPA cannot ask ratepayers to shoulder higher costs while executives travel in luxury. The hypocrisy is stunning,” Ortt said.

He added that Democrats have long complained about “greedy energy executives,” yet NYPA’s actions contradict the state’s push for strict clean-energy mandates.

NYPA’s Rate Proposal Faces Resistance

Earlier this year, NYPA withdrew a rate-increase proposal after bipartisan opposition. Governor Kathy Hochul instructed the authority to “go back to the drawing board.” NYPA later introduced a revised proposal, suggesting monthly increases of $1 to $2 over six years for residential customers served through 51 municipal and rural cooperative utilities.

The authority argues it still offers some of the lowest electricity rates in New York.

Questions About the Plane’s Purpose

NYPA has long claimed the private plane is necessary to quickly transport engineers and senior staff across its 17 power plants and 1,550 miles of transmission lines. NYPA supplies electricity to agencies such as the MTA, the Port Authority, and multiple nonprofits.

However, the recent investigation challenges whether routine press events and executive convenience justify the environmental cost and financial burden on taxpayers.

As bipartisan criticism grows, pressure is mounting on NYPA to end or dramatically limit the use of its expensive aircraft.

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