Yorktown Asks State Regulators to Include Public on Proposed NYSEG Rate Hike

(August 1, 2022) – State and local officials asked state utility regulators to hold a public hearing in northern Westchester County before deciding whether to grant an electricity rate increase.

In May, New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) proposed infrastructure investments that would add $10 to $18 to the average customer’s monthly electric bill, or a 13 to 22 percent increase. NYSEG’s proposed work includes installing stronger poles, upgrading substations, smarter tree trimming and adding wires that can withstand more intense storms.

The July 28 letter to the state Public Service Commission was signed by Assemblyman Kevin Byrne and Supervisor Matt Slater.

“NYSEG’s ‘Reliable Energy New York’ proposal would cause a painful and unacceptably high rate hike on customers at one of the worst times for our residents,” wrote the lawmakers. “Maintenance costs should be viewed as an inherent part of NYSEG’s operational expenses, especially considering consumers already pay some of the highest energy costs in the country. As recently as 2020, NYSEG received approval on a three-year rate hike that led to a 24.5% increase in customers’ electric bill.”

Supervisor Slater and Assemblyman Byrne asked state regulators to schedule a public hearing in Yorktown or within the surrounding Lower Hudson Valley.

“It is only fair that you provide rate payers a public forum at an accessible location to express their concerns before a decision is made,” the lawmakers wrote.

A copy of their letter is attached.

Contact:  Yorktown Supervisor Matt Slater, 914-962-5722 x201 or mslater@yorktownny.org