Officials Want PSC Rate Hike Hearing In Northern Westchester

YORKTOWN, NY — Yorktown officials are asking state utility regulators to hold a public hearing in northern Westchester County before deciding whether to grant an increase in the electricity rate.

In May, NYSEG proposed infrastructure investments that would add $10 to $18 to the average customer's monthly electricity bill — a 13 to 22 percent increase.

The utility's proposed work includes installing stronger poles, upgrading substations, smarter tree trimming and adding wires that can withstand more intense storms.

Assemblyman Kevin Byrne and Yorktown Supervisor Matt Slater signed a letter July 28 to the state Public Service Commission that said NYSEG's proposal would cause a painful and unacceptably high rate hike on customers at one of the worst time.

"Maintenance costs should be viewed as an inherent part of NYSEG's operational expenses, especially considering consumers already pay some of the highest energy costs in the country," they said.

"As recently as 2020, NYSEG received approval on a three-year rate like that led to a 24.5 percent increase in customers' electric bill," Byrne and Slater said.

They asked the PSC to schedule a public hearing in Yorktown or within the surrounding lower Hudson Valley.

"It is only fair that you provide rate payers a public forum at an accessible location to express their concerns before a decision is made," the officials said.

Read the full letter by clicking here.