Lawmakers urge Public Service Commission to rein in proposed utility rate increases
NYSEG initially requested an increase in annual gas revenues of approximately $93.0 million, according to the Department of Public Service's website.
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Local and state lawmakers gathered Monday morning in Bedford Hills to urge the Public Service Commission to rein in NYSEG's proposed rate increases.
NYSEG initially requested an increase in annual gas revenues of approximately $93.0 million, according to the Department of Public Service's website. NYSEG estimates that the requested increase in delivery revenues will result in a monthly bill increase of $33.57 (33.5% increase to total bill) for a typical residential heating customer using 83 therms. Click here for more information.
However, officials with NYSEG told News 12 no rate increases are determined yet. They say they are in the middle of the rate case process with the Public Service Commission.
"I've been getting these bills that are $500, $700, $900, I got one bill that was $1,200," said Nancie Felton during a press conference in Bedford Hills.
Felton says she is fed up with her NYSEG utility bills.
So are the others who gathered inside Bedford Town Hall Monday.
"My last bill was $1,342.14. I live alone, I'm an elderly woman," said another customer.
Not only did customers voice concerns about current costs but also, potential increases down the road.
"NYSEG is seeking to raise rates 35% for electricity, 39% for natural gas," said Sen. Pete Harckham.
Officials with NYSEG told News 12 this rate plan would fund critical investments.
The full statement is below:
"Unfortunately, the senator’s and his colleagues attempts to grab quick headlines by calling on the rejection of the rate plan completely misses the mark and intentionally ignores the skyrocketing unregulated supply costs, taxes and state mandates pushed through by New York legislature that combined make up the vast majority of customer utility bill charges, which NYSEG has zero control over. We urge the senator and his colleagues to tell the whole story of what’s in customer bills and include the facts of our rate plan, which will fund critical investments needed for local union members to upgrade aging poles and wires to strengthen the grid, increase capacity to lessen outages, and attract new economic development and jobs to communities."
Some gathered in support of that outside Bedford Town Hall.
Officials with NYSEG also say supply costs have gone up recently due to it being the winter heating season.
While the rate case process goes on, lawmakers are urging concerned customers to speak out.
"Your voice still can have an impact, we encourage rate payers to let the governor and commission know their views," says Assemblyman Chris Burdick.
