By Tara Kyle
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — New Yorkers concerned about a huge electricity bill hike should turn down the thermostat - and paint their roofs white, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.
His comments come as the city braces for a huge 12 percent rise in costs this summer, the New York Post reported.
On the mayor's weekly WOR radio program, he said, "Use less energy and it makes the problem less of a problem."
For New Yorkers not willing to put up with a little extra in-house humidity, Bloomberg suggested convincing landlords to paint roofs white — a design element that can knock heat waves away.
"Your energy costs would go down something like 20 to 25 percent," Bloomberg said, according to the Post.
"If you look at the city from the air, you'd be shocked at how many people are smart enough to do that."
The 12 percent hike is a consequence of a ruling by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that gives $500 million back to city power providers facing high property taxes.
The mayor has spoken out against the plan.
Currently, oil and gas generators provide around 80 percent of the city's power, according to the Post.
The bill hike will begin on May 28, the Post reported. It comes on the heels of another 4 percent raise from Con Ed already in effect.
Bloomberg, Senator Chuck Schumer and Con Ed, which resells power from the generators but would not get any of the extra money, are all appealing for FERC to reconsider the decision.
