Narrative of Resolution:
title
Urge the Public Services Commission to reject New York State Electric and Gas’s proposal for rate increases
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body
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RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY TERRY BLOSSER-BERNARDO, DISTRICT 9 LEGISLATOR, NICHOLAS SALOMONE, DISTRICT 4 LEGISLATOR, LUIS ALVAREZ, DISTRICT 6 LEGISLATOR, CATHERINE SCOTT, DISTRICT 5 LEGISLATOR AND NADIA RAJSZ, CHAIR OF THE LEGISLATURE OPPOSING NEW YORK STATE ELECTRIC AND GAS (NYSEG), ORANGE AND ROCKLAND, AND CENTRAL HUDSON’S PROPOSED RATE INCREASES AND URGING THE NEW YORK STATE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO REJECT THE PROPOSAL
WHEREAS, New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) Orange and Rockland (O&R), and Central Hudson hav proposed significant rate increases for electric and gas.
WHEREAS, In October 2023, the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a three-year rate plan for New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG), Orange and Rockland and Central Hudson resulting in incremental increases to customers' bills.
Electric Customers:
• November 2023: An average monthly increase of $9.94 (approximately 10.3%) for residential customers using 600 kWh per month.The New 96.1+2NY Division of Probation & Alternatives+2cny-energy-challenge+2 <https://dps.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2023/10/pr23106.pdf>
• May 2024: An additional average increase of $8.88 (approximately 8.4%).cny-energy-challenge+1NY Division of Probation & Alternatives+1 <https://www.cnyenergychallenge.org/single-post/nyseg-rg-e-rate-hikes-approved-here-s-what-it-means-for-customers>
• May 2025: A further average increase of $11.34 (approximately 9.9%).Yahoo Finance+2NY Division of Probation & Alternatives+2cny-energy-challenge+2 <https://dps.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2023/10/pr23106.pdf>
Cumulatively, by May 2025, residential electric customers will experience an average total monthly bill increase of approximately $30.16 compared to their bills prior to November 2023.The New 96.1+3Smart Energy Choices+3NY Division of Probation & Alternatives+3 <https://smartenergychoices.org/our-blog/2024/1/25/nyseg-rate-hikes-on-gas-amp-electricity>
Gas Customers:
• November 2023: An average monthly increase of $4.96 (approximately 3.6%) for residential heating customers using 100 therms per month.NY Division of Probation & Alternatives+1cny-energy-challenge+1 <https://dps.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2023/10/pr23106.pdf>
• May 2024: An additional average increase of $2.13 (approximately 1.5%).
• May 2025: A further average increase of $4.10 (approximately 2.9%).cny-energy-challenge+1NY Division of Probation & Alternatives+1 <https://www.cnyenergychallenge.org/single-post/nyseg-rg-e-rate-hikes-approved-here-s-what-it-means-for-customers>
WHEREAS, By May 2025, residential gas heating customers will see an average total monthly bill increase of approximately $11.19 compared to their bills prior to November 2023.Smart Energy Choices+4NY Division of Probation & Alternatives+4cny-energy-challenge+4 <https://dps.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2023/10/pr23106.pdf>
WHEREAS, These rate adjustments are intended to support NYSEG's infrastructure investments, enhance storm resiliency, and align with New York's clean energy goals.
WHEREAS, many residents are already facing economic hardships, and additional utility costs could exacerbate financial strains, particularly among low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes; and
WHEREAS, affordable and reliable utility services are essential for the health, safety, and economic stability of our communities; and
WHEREAS, the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) is responsible for ensuring that utility rates are just and reasonable, balancing the needs of consumers and utility providers;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Sullivan County Legislature hereby expresses its strong opposition to NYSEG's, Orange and Rockland’s and Central Hudson’s proposed rate increases; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Sullivan County Legislature urges the New York State Public Service Commission to thoroughly scrutinize NYSEG’s, Orange and Rockland’s and Central Hudson’s proposal and reject any rate increases that are not justified or that would unduly burden consumers.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Sullivan County Legislature urges the New York State Public Service Commission to consider all future applications for delivery charges from New York State Electric and Gas, Orange and Rockland and Central Hudson.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Clerk of the Sullivan County Legislature is hereby directed to forward copies of this resolution to the New York State Public Service Commission, Governor Kathy Hochul, State Senator Peter Oberacker, Assembly Member Paula Kay, Assemblyman Brian Maher and all others deemed necessary and proper.
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