Local leaders are backing major reforms at NYSEG following a critical audit by New York’s Public Service Commission. The report outlines 128 recommendations to improve transparency, billing practices, and customer service.
Officials from Ulysses and Trumansburg, including Rep. Josh Riley and State Sen. Lea Webb, have demanded accountability after rising bills and poor service. Riley’s office is investigating NYSEG’s finances, while Webb emphasized the urgency of implementing the audit’s findings.
NYSEG must submit a detailed reform plan by June 18 for public review, with state regulators vowing to ensure meaningful improvements.
Here’s what NYSEG said about the issues on May 28:
“We respect the hard work of the Public Service Commission (PSC). We are currently reviewing and evaluating the Management Audit Report and today’s management audit order issued by the Commission and look forward to responding. NYSEG and RG&E stand by our record of investing millions in upgrading hundreds of gas lines across our service areas supported by rigorous, ongoing inspections performed by our dedicated field crews. We have changed our management structure in NYSEG and RG&E, with staff with only New York responsibilities reporting directly to the New York CEO and President to better serve the specific needs of our operating companies. As a result, our customer service and billing performance has also seen significant improvement. Hundreds of new team members have been added, less than one percent of the 3 million bills issued require any adjustments, and customer service has slashed wait times to less than 30 seconds. Regarding any notice of potential violation, we look forward to responding with clear facts that will show our companies have fully complied with all laws, Commission orders, and regulations. These are real actions with real positive results for our customers, and we firmly stand behind our record, our people, and our continued commitment to delivering safe, reliable energy to millions of New Yorkers every day.“
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