Skyrocketing utility bills have left many New Yorkers struggling to keep up with daily costs of living this winter. Meanwhile, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has laid out a $260 billion executive budget that puts affordability at the heart of her agenda.
So what does this all mean for energy and utility affordability for New Yorkers?
Radio Catskill’s Jason Dole spoke with Laurie Wheelock, Executive Director of the Public Utility Law Project of New York (PULP), about the latest from NYSEG’s rate case, Hochul’s energy affordability plan, and resources to manage utility bills.
The latest on NYSEG’s rate case
Last June, NYSEG filed a request to raise delivery rates by more than 30 percent for some customers – a move that could bring in an additional $32 million in electric service revenues for the company.
NYSEG estimates that its proposed rates could increase monthly bills by $33.12 for the average customer using 600 kWh. If approved, NYSEG customers could see new rates take effect on May 1.
Now, NYSEG is facing litigation for its rate case – a “very rare” step that Wheelock says she’s seen only a few times in the past decade.
“[NYSEG] filed a very large rate increase. They had actually filed for consideration and included data for up to five years, and I think this is a sign the state is taking this very seriously,” said Wheelock.
READ: NYSEG and RG&E Propose Steep Rate Hikes, Sparking Backlash Across Upstate NY
Wheelock said sharing how utility bills are affecting NYSEG customers is critical right now. Individuals can call the state’s Department of Public Service at 800-335-2120, online at dps.ny.gov, or by mail to make a public comment.
The Department of Public Service’s website shows more than 3,490 public comments on NYSEG’s rate case from thousands of individuals, some commenters calling the proposed rate hikes “outrageous” and “unconscionable.”
Hochul’s agenda on energy affordability
Wheelock says she’s hopeful about what she’s seeing in Hochul’s latest executive budget, which includes a set of proposals focused on energy efficiency and affordability.
Part of Hochul’s budget is an additional $50 million to the energy efficiency EmPower+ program, removing hidden fees for ratepayers, and tying utility executive CEOs’ salaries to customer affordability.
While winter slowly tapers off in the coming months, Wheelock says dangerously frigid temperatures and wind chills have been hard for utility customers. But there’s still a handful of tips people should know to manage their utility bills, she adds.
New York has several energy affordability programs to help low-income New Yorkers, including HEAP and the recently announced Enhanced Energy Affordability Program (EEAP).
Weatherizing your home and meticulously combing through your utility bills can also be helpful, Wheelock says.
“We always encourage people to go with your gut. If something feels off or wrong, we recommend people sit down, look at their bill, and just start writing out questions: did I really use this much? Did I get an actual meter reading?”
Image: Resources from the Public Utility Law Project of New York (Photo Credit: Public Utility Law Project)