Public hearings on proposed rate hikes for RG&E and NYSEG began on Thursday, September 16.
Customers will have to pay significantly more on their monthly bills if the rate increase is approved by the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS).
RG&E and NYSEG president says rate hikes necessary to maintain aging infrastructure, update underground services
Many who spoke at the first hearing urged the DPS to deny the request, according to News10 NBC.
The average RG&E customer will be on the hook for roughly $12.95 more per month for electric delivery and $9.62 more for gas delivery if the request is granted.
In NYSEG’s service area, the average customer would see an increase of about $18.31 per month for electric delivery and $14 for gas delivery.
News10’s Jennifer Lewke spoke with RG&E and NYSEG President Trish Nilsen on Wednesday regarding the rate hikes.
Lewke asked Nilsen why the company chose now to request rate hikes with so many New Yorkers are already feeling the impact of inflation.
“We need to be able to make investments in the energy future for our customers. That includes things like maintaining our infrastructure, we have underground services that need to have a replacement, we have communities that are growing that need to be able to handle the energy load in that community. We have aging infrastructure in our pipes and wires we also have the opportunity to offer new products and services to our customers,” replied Nilsen.
Public hearings will continue next week.
Upcoming hearing schedule
Wednesday, September 28 at 1 p.m.
Electronic Access: www.webex.com
Event Number: 2338 191 2115
Event Password: Sept28-1pm
Phone-Only Access: 518-549-0500
Access Code: 2338 191 2115
Wednesday, September 28 at 5 p.m.
Electronic Access: www.webex.com
Event Number: 2336 194 4067
Password: Sept28-5pm
Phone-Only Access: 518-549-0500
Access Code: 2336 194 4067
More: RG&E penalized $900K for billing issues: What should you do if yours is wrong?
Tuesday, October 18 at 1 p.m.
Electronic Access: www.webex.com
Event Number: 2349 583 6026
Event Password: Oct18-1pm
Phone-Only Access: 518-549-0500
Access Code: 2349 583 6026
Tuesday, October 18 at 5 p.m.
Electronic Access: www.webex.com
Event Number: 2346 895 0569
Password: Oct18-5pm
Phone-Only Access: 518-549-0500
Access Code: 2346 895 0569
More: NYSEG and RG&E announces “Reliable Energy New York” plans
