Yates County is urging New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) to resolve recent billing errors affecting thousands of customers before the state’s Public Service Commission considers the utilities’ proposed rate hikes. Legislator Edward Bronson introduced a resolution, which received approval on Monday, demanding the state dismiss the rate increase request.
Experts from the state’s Department of Public Service have examined NYSEG and RG&E’s rate filings, identifying numerous deficiencies and errors, as documented in public records. Additionally, the staff has accused the companies of being vague and unresponsive to questions. This marks the second consecutive rate filing with such issues, with similar problems highlighted in a 2016 management audit.
NYSEG is seeking a significant 34.9% rate increase for electric customers and a 14.9% rate increase for gas customers, resulting in an estimated annual bill increase of around $240 for the average residential customer. Concurrently, RG&E is requesting a 21% rate increase for electric customers and an 18.8% hike for gas customers, leading to an annual bill increase of nearly $260 for an average residential customer.
Governor Kathy Hochul has slammed the rate hike proposal as “outrageous and unacceptable,” amplifying the concerns and frustrations of affected customers.
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