Lawmakers extend state energy assistance programs

ALBANY - State lawmakers have extended until June 2 two programs that reduce the electric bills of large employers - but still cannot agree on making them permanent.

The Power for Jobs and Energy Cost Savings Benefit programs had lapsed last Sunday and now will continue for two more weeks. They benefit more than 500 businesses and charities with a total workforce of 312,000 including 34,650 on Long Island.

Gov. David A. Paterson and the State Senate reached agreement Tuesday on making the programs permanent and holding participants accountable for creating jobs.

However, the Assembly has yet to sign on, expressing concerns about preserving an allotment of cheap hydropower set aside for upstate homeowners.