Urge the PSC: Reject the NYSEG/RG&E Rate Increase!

NYSEG/RG&E is proposing an $800+ million energy rate increase across its gas and electric service territories.

According to their filing to the Public Service Commission (PSC), requested increases would be an eye-popping 41% to 42% for electric delivery, and a similarly enormous increase of 32% to 45% on gas delivery. The utility is also seeking increases to the fixed customer charges that show up on your bill as well.

This proposed hike is simply unaffordable for consumers across upstate New York who are already struggling to make ends meet.

Please join us in urging the NYS Department of Public Service to keep NYSEG/RG&E utility rates from skyrocketing even higher than they are today.

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Dear Decision Maker,

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I am writing to strongly oppose NYSEG/RG&E's proposed energy rate increases for gas and electric customers.

According to their filing to the PSC, NYSEG is requesting a 23.7% increase on electric bills, and an average increase amount per customer is $33.57, a 33.5% increase on gas bills. RG&E’s average increase amount per customer is $33.01, a 26.0% increase on electric bills, and the average increase amount per customer is $18.87, a 22.2% increase on gas bills. These increase rates are unaffordable for many New Yorkers, especially older adults living on fixed incomes.

The rate request comes at a time when over 170,000 households in the service territory are already 60 days or more behind on their bills, and over 50,000 terminations for non-payment in 2025. Clearly, customers in these territories are already struggling to keep up with their bills.

On top of slashing the huge revenue requirements laid out in this case (ranging between 32% and 46% in delivery revenue increases), the proposed increases to fixed customer charges should be rejected outright. Current fixed charges are already too high and should be decreased. Increasing fixed customer charges reduce consumers' ability to control their own bill, because no matter how much more efficient you make your home, or how low you turn down the lights or thermostat, they don't change. For those struggling the most with their bills, those increased fixed charges really hurt.

Additionally, the requested 10.0% return on equity is excessive and magnifies the cost of the capital investments to customers. A thorough and complete review of the Companies’ proposed rate of return is warranted to ensure that the authorized return is just, reasonable, and consistent with current capital market conditions.

This hike as proposed is unjust and unaffordable. I urge the PSC to reject this proposed rate hike and find more responsible, affordable solutions.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]
[Your Address]

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