NYSEG is looking to increase its utility rates by 22% over the next three years.

The utility company, which serves Westchester and Putnam counties, says the money will be used in part to repair or improve aging infrastructure.

However, customers like Yorktown deli owner Jake Steinman aren’t looking forward to the increase. He’s still recovering from Tropical Storm Isaias, when he lost power for a week and depended on a generator.

“People can’t get here with the trees in the way and the lines down clean up took quite a bit of time,” says Steinman. “It’s hard to swallow a rate hike when service is what it is.”

He says NYSEG’s response should be faster and more robust.

A statement from NYSEG says, “The agreement was drafted with our customers in mind and to ensure we have the resources necessary to best serve them now and in the future.”

However, Yorktown Supervisor Matt Slater thinks the company’s proposal is out of touch.

Slater calls it tone-deaf during a time when unemployment rates are already skyrocketing and many are struggling financially.

“We launched a petition today alone we had over 200 people sign it opposing the rate hikes for NYSEG.”

News 12 is told customers have until Aug. 31 to weigh in before state officials make the final decision.