Gov. David A. Paterson, who wielded his veto power very effectively in shaping the state budget, needs to keep that pen handy. Yet to come his way is a deceitful measure that will needlessly drive up energy costs for New Yorkers.

 The bill was passed by both houses of the New York State Legislature, once again demonstrating that it doesn't understand the meaning of the words "financial crisis." New York and its residents are sinking under the weight of a raft of disastrous state policies, yet lawmakers saw fit to take this, of all moments, to stick it to voters once again.

 The measure would, for the first time, require utilities such as National Grid and National Fuel to pay prevailing wages to services with which they contract -- landscapers, for example. National Grid estimates that this thievery will cost it $18.3 million, which it will pass along to its customers who, thanks to Albany, already pay some of the nation's highest electric rates.

What is more, and possibly worse, this cowardly sop to the unions who control the Legislature also makes violations a criminal rather than a civil matter. If this preposterous bill ever becomes law, utilities are going to be very sure they follow it to the letter, which means that everyone who pays a gas or electric bill is going to have to reach even farther into their pockets.

Make no mistake: This kind of bill routinely passes the New York Legislature because it is a corrupt enterprise. It exists not to represent New Yorkers but for its members to preserve their own power. They do that in multiple ways -- gerrymandering district lines, giving lawmakers vote-buying money known as member items and passing bills that satisfy the insatiable lusts of their paymasters in the unions and elsewhere.

 But in voting for this bill in this time of economic crisis, lawmakers have slapped voters across the face. If anyone still believed that it was possible for the Legislature, under its current leadership, to temper its self-absorption on behalf of ordinary New Yorkers, the sting of this vote should have broken that illusion.

There is still time to head this off. Paterson should veto the bill. If he does, the closely divided Senate will not be able to override it, even if the Assembly would cheerfully do so.

Whether the bill becomes law or not, though, the Legislature has shown its colors. It's for the people who funnel money its way. The other people -- the ones who funnel the votes -- should remember.