After New York State Electric and Gas submitted responses to third party audit, the company requested a 35 percent increase, equaling about $464.4 million and asking for return on equity of $32 million. (Photo by Kelli Miller)

CHENANGO COUNTY - Two weeks after New York State and Electric and Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) submitted responses to the 128 recommendations from a third party audit, NYSEG requested an increase to their annual electric delivery revenues.

The company has requested a 35 percent increase, equaling about $464.4 million, and asking for a return on equity of 10 percent for the rate year, resulting in a $32 million increase in electric service revenue.

As of 2024, NYSEG payments in arrears totaled $103 million with RG&E totaling $100 million. The company states when account balances remain unpaid, they recoup those costs from all customers.

According to the NYSEG website, NYSEG and RG&E Customer Service Vice President Christine Alexander said they realize people are facing difficult times and are here to help. She said a large part of getting the late payments under control, when customers can’t pay, results in everyone shouldering the costs.

NYSEG officials said it will be left to the Public Service Commission to make a final determination on rates in 2026, after a process of discovery, testimony, settlement negotiations, and a possible multi-year agreement.

Director of Communications for NYSEG Shelby Cohen said she wasn’t sure about any rate increase, but she defended the most recent audit report. She said it had nothing to do with the issues customers are now concerned about regarding the smart meter and billing costs.