During the recent Chenango County Board meeting, officials discuss their concerns over current NYSEG fees and vote to request the Public Service Commission perform a thorough investigation. (Photo by Kelli Miller)

NORWICH ­— During the recent Chenango County Board of Supervisors meeting, officials addressed concerns over current and proposed New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) rate increases, delivery charges, and additional fees to rate payers.

The board voted to send a declaration to officials, requesting New York State Public Serve Commission (PSC) perform a thorough investigation.

With growing concerns over lack of transparency, uncontrolled or unexplained rate increases, and current rate-setting purposes, the board of supervisors also requested PSC to hold state rate case hearings in person in each respective county.

“When the PSC holds rate case hearings, they are always in a metropolitan area; they are not in each county,” said City of Norwich Wards 4,5,6 Supervisor Robert Jeffrey.

"I believe the parent company operates in 44 of the 62 counties in New York State," said Jeffrey. "I really believe the state always asks for fair and equitable treatment for everyone."

Jeffrey also noted he believes the PSC needs to adhere to that and requested to have the PSC hold rate case hearings in every county.

Board Chair Jeffrey Blanchard agreed and explained metropolitan areas have their own issues as do rural areas and said if hearings were held in each county, local people could travel easier to attend and share their concerns.