Town of Plattsburgh calls for action amid rising NYSEG costs

PLATTSBURGH | As electricity costs continue to rise, residents of the Town of Plattsburgh have voiced concerns over increasing financial strain. In response, the Town Board has unanimously passed a resolution urging the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC), Gov. Kathy Hochul, and state legislators to take action against escalating NYSEG rates and excessive fees. "We've heard from our residents—seniors on fixed incomes, working families, and small businesses—who are struggling with higher electricity bills," said Supervisor Michael S. Cashman. "This resolution is a clear message that we stand with them. Utility costs should be fair, transparent, and manageable, not a growing burden." CALL FOR REFORM Many Town residents have reported significant increases in their NYSEG bills, with delivery charges dramatically raising costs. At the same time, NYSEG reported a net income of $150 million in 2022, raising concerns about whether current rate structures are justified. As inflation continues to impact household budgets, Town officials are emphasizing the urgent need for a reassessment of energy costs to ensure affordability. ADVOCATING FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION The Town's resolution outlines key areas where reform is needed: -Rate Adjustment & Oversight – Conduct an independent review of NYSEG's rate structure to ensure that rate increases and distribution fees are justified, transparent, and proportionate to actual service costs rather than corporate profit margins. -Fee Reduction & Transparency – Require NYSEG to eliminate or reduce excessive delivery fees and other surcharges that disproportionately impact residential customers, particularly those on fixed incomes. -Enhanced Consumer Protection – Expand financial assistance programs for low-income households, increase access to energy efficiency grants, and establish stronger safeguards against unfair rate hikes. -Utility Reform & Accountability – Implement stricter state oversight of NYSEG to prevent unjustified increases, ensure better corporate accountability, and improve transparency in utility pricing and service quality. -Legislative Action – Urge state lawmakers to pass legislation that places caps on excessive energy delivery charges and requires utilities to reinvest a portion of their profits into infrastructure improvements and customer relief programs. TAKING ACTION The Town of Plattsburgh has sent its resolution to the Public Service Commission, Governor Hochul, and state legislators for review, urging them to act swiftly to address rising energy costs. Officials are committed to ensuring that residents' voices are heard at every level of government and will continue advocating for policies that prioritize affordability and consumer protection. "We are taking a stand for our residents because these cost increases are unsustainable," said Cashman. "We need real solutions that put consumers first." Residents concerned about energy costs are encouraged to contact their state representatives to support stronger consumer protections.

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Town of Plattsburgh calls for action amid rising NYSEG costs

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