Leaders join coalition opposing NYSEG rate hike

Westchester county leaders, in yet another move against the proposed NYSEG rate hike, have teamed up with a coalition of state legislators on a joint brief submitted to the state Public Service Commission.

The legal document urges the PSC to reject the increases, citing them as unaffordable and calling for stricter oversight.

The utility is seeking a 23.7 percent increase in average monthly residential electric bills and a 33.5 percent hike in residential gas bills.

If approved, the new rates would go into effect on May 1.

“At a time when families are already struggling to keep up with everyday costs, rising utility bills is simply unacceptable. Too many Westchester residents are being forced to make difficult choices just to stay current on their energy bills, and the possibility of even higher rates only adds to that burden,” said County Executive Ken Jenkins on Thursday, April 2.

Westchester was joining with its state partners to urge the PSC “to put ratepayers first -- by scrutinizing these proposals, demanding full transparency, and ensuring that any rate decisions are fair, responsible and do not place an unnecessary burden on residents,” he added.

According to media reports, while a 2026 hike isn’t finalized, a previous 2023 PSC ruling did authorize phased-in rate increases that’ve already showed up on utility bills in 2024 and 2025. 

Board of Legislators Chair Vedat Gashi (D-District 4), and Legislators Erika L. Pierce (D-District 2) and Colin Smith (D-District 1), represent areas in northern Westchester that are partially or fully served by NYSEG.

(The PSC approved Con Edison’s request to increase its rates in late January. Electric bills will rise by 10.4 percent and gas bills by 15.8 percent, cumulatively over 2026, 2027, and 2028.)

“How much longer can we ask working families to absorb rate increase after rate increase while service stays the same or gets worse? The Public Service Commission must grapple with that question,” asserted Gashi, a Yorktown resident.

“By joining this statewide coalition of legislators, Westchester County intends to make sure they do. Westchester County residents deserve both the lights on and the ability to pay for them,” he added.

Pierce, who lives in Katonah, called the proposed rate increase “a slap in the face to residents who are already struggling with high utility bills” that have been “made worse by the utility’s poor customer support.”

“As this brief identifies, we need better oversight and protections for ratepayers, so that bills are reasonable, service is reliable, and ratepayers are not left covering the costs of the lawyers fighting against their best interests,” she said.

The utility’s side is that it needs the money to fund infrastructure upgrades, modernize the grid, and support storm-hardening efforts.

The so-called “Powering NY” plan also addresses rising labor costs, inflation, and increased costs for tree trimming.

NYSEG has also cited state mandated upgrades and safety measures, including cybersecurity.

The utility also points to its investing in new technology, such as a state call center, and the need to better manage the high cost of unpaid customer bills, aka arrears.

Smith, of Peekskill, also urged the PSC to “closely scrutinize” the proposal, protect affordability, and “keep rates as low as reasonably possible while ensuring safe and reliable service.”

The PSC is expected to issue a decision on the rate cases later this year.

County officials promised to “continue to advocate for policies that protect residents, promote transparency, and ensure access to reliable and affordable energy.”