Thousands of NYSEG and RG&E customers across the Finger Lakes and upstate New York will begin paying higher utility rates today, as temporary increases approved by state regulators take effect while a larger rate case remains under review.
The New York State Public Service Commission approved interim increases that raise NYSEG electric rates by 0.2% and gas rates by 1.7%, while RG&E electric customers will see a 2.9% increase and gas customers a 1.2% increase. Regulators stressed the temporary rates are significantly lower than what the utilities originally requested and do not determine the outcome of the broader rate proceedings.
The increases arrive amid growing public frustration over utility costs. On Sunday, Metro Justice and local residents gathered in Rochester’s Washington Square Park to protest RG&E’s proposal and warn that customers could face substantially larger increases if the company’s full request is ultimately approved. Advocates said some customers could see bills rise by as much as $50 per month under the permanent rate proposal currently being reviewed by state regulators.
The PSC said affordability concerns will be considered as part of its final decision. Regulators are expected to issue a ruling on the broader rate cases in the coming months, and state officials have acknowledged that some level of permanent increase could ultimately be approved.
The stakes are significant given the size of the utilities’ customer bases. RG&E serves more than 392,000 electric customers and more than 324,000 natural gas customers across a nine-county region centered on Rochester and Monroe County. NYSEG serves more than 921,000 electric customers and more than 270,000 natural gas customers throughout upstate New York.
Consumer advocates argue the temporary increases are only the beginning of what could become a much larger increase later this year. Utility officials, meanwhile, contend additional revenue is needed to fund investments in aging electric and natural gas infrastructure, improve system reliability and support future energy demands. The PSC’s final decision will determine whether customers see another round of increases beyond those that took effect June 1.
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