MAHOPAC, N.Y.—Utility prices are on the rise in the Hudson Valley, and local leaders are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to step in.
Assemblyman Matt Slater (AD-94), a Republican, has introduced two bills calling for public utilities to demonstrate greater transparency and more concern for residents. Slater is holding “pop-up" events in Yorktown on March 12 and Mahopac (Town of Carmel) on March 13 to give local NYSEG customers a chance to address concerns about escalating utility costs with officials from the utility. Each event has two sessions: 1-3 p.m., and 5-7 p.m.
On Facebook, Slater said he’d heard from dozens of constituents about the burden of high utility rates.
“I worked with NYSEG to set up customer service pop-up events where you can meet with representatives, review your bill, and get your questions answered,” he said.
Those with questions can call his office at 845-278-2923.
In a separate press release, Slater said officials throughout his district (AD-94) “are demanding immediate intervention” from Hochul and Public Service Commission Chairman Rory M. Christian over “skyrocketing utility bills.”
“Hudson Valley residents are being crushed by rapidly increasing utility bills—some have seen their bills quadruple overnight with no explanation or justification,” Slater said. “Gov. Hochul and Chairman Christian must acknowledge this crisis and take swift action. New Yorkers should not be forced to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table.”
In an email to Halston Media, Carmel Supervisor Mike Cazzari, a Republican, blamed the high prices on Democrat Hochul and the aftermath of decommissioning the Indian Point nuclear power plant.
“The current pricing crisis is a direct result of decisions made by the state government,” Cazzari said. “When the financial health of one of the highest-taxed populations in the country is disregarded by state officials, it is nothing short of a travesty.
“In response to hazard concerns about the Indian Point nuclear plant, Albany took a knee-jerk reaction of closure without fully considering the long-term consequences. The union construction trades here in the Hudson Valley advocated for replacing the plant with clean, efficient natural gas generators—a proposal that was completed, and shamefully ignored by Albany.”
Cazzari said residents are now struggling with “soaring electricity prices” as a result.
“Power companies [are] citing supply issues as the primary reason for these outrageous price hikes,” Cazzari said. “This situation could have been avoided, and it's clear that more thoughtful, responsible planning was needed. Instead, we're left dealing with the consequences of Albany’s shortsightedness while struggling with unaffordable energy costs.
“The retrofitting of Indian Point’s facility to natural gas could have lessened the deficiency in electrical supply, helping to stabilize prices while also offering employment for our local union tradespeople.”
Hochul has criticized utility companies for raising prices. On the governor’s website, she urged the Department of Public Service to reject Con Edison’s “unconscionable request to increase electricity rates by 11.4 percent and natural gas rates by 13.3 percent.”
Republicans Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman and Somers Supervisor Robert Scorrano criticized the PSC’s position on the rate hikes and said Hochul needs to do more to address the issue.
“Our residents are suffering under the whims of the Public Service Commission when it comes to rate increases,” Lachterman said in a statement. “The governor has done very little, if anything, to combat the rising costs.”
Slater has introduced two bills to protect consumers: one requiring utility companies to notify customers of supply rate increases and another mandating in-person hearings before rate hikes.
The Carmel Town Board unanimously passed a resolution in support of two bills sponsored by Slater that seek to amend Public Service Law 44-A and 44-B. The amendments would require public utilities to notify customers whenever there is a rate increase of 40% or more and mandate that utility companies “make customers aware of available bill assistance programs by ensuring such programs are clearly listed on the utility company's website, thus improving access to resources for consumers facing financial challenges.”
The resolution also calls for utilities to communicate more clearly, be more transparent about costs, and “safeguard residents from unexpected financial hardship due to significant rate hikes from utility providers.”
“The Carmel Town Board encourages the New York State Legislature to adopt Assembly Bill A01270, ensuring that public utilities uphold their responsibility to inform and assist customers in a clear and equitable manner,” the resolution said.
Somers Supervisor Scorrano said “skyrocketing utility costs” are pushing local families and businesses to the brink.
“Enough is enough,” Scorrano said. “We need immediate action to rein in these rate hikes and protect hardworking New Yorkers from this growing financial burden.”
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