New York State Senator Joseph Griffo responded to Chenango County Board of Supervisors resolution regarding concerns over NYSEG rate increases, delivery charges, and additional fees to rate payers. (Photo by Kelli Miller)

NORWICH — Last month, the Chenango County Board of Supervisors sent a resolution to numerous officials, regarding their concerns over current and proposed New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) rate increases, delivery charges, and additional fees to rate payers.

Recently, the Chenango County Board of Supervisors received a letter from New York State Senator Joseph Griffo, 53rd Senate District in reply to their recent energy cost resolution sent to the governor, senators, assemblymen and representatives.

The letter included his concerns and support for lowering energy costs and a link to the bill related.

The board requested New York State Public Serve Commission (PSC) perform a thorough investigation and also requested state rate case hearings be held in person in each respective county.

On March 26, the Chenango County Clerk of the Board received a response from the senator.

In his letter, Griffo recognized the escalating cost of electricity that has invoked significant challenges for residents in Chenango County and other New Yorkers across the state.

“I have continued to actively engage on this issue and have put forth and supported legislation and proposals that would lower utility costs and increase transparency,” said Griffo.

The letter further disclosed his belief in the need for legislative oversight hearings, audits of utility companies by appropriate state agencies, and that PSC should revisit and reconsider past rate increase approvals.

Griffo also noted it is the governor who appoints PSC members that set the rates, and ensure New York’s utilities provide adequate service.

“I did not support previous rate increases because I recognize the additional burden that they would have on New Yorkers and their families,” he said.

“Moving forward, I will continue to speak up, support and push for legislation and policies that will combat skyrocketing energy costs and make the state more affordable,” Griffo added.

According to the New York senate government website, the current bill S9342 is in Senate Committee and requires legislative approval of any utility rate or change increase approved by the public service commission.

It provides that the legislature can approve, modify or rescind any rate or charge increase approved by the commission by concurrent resolution; provides that the legislature can review any rate or charge increase approved in the prior 12 months.

The Justifications note that utility service is a necessity, not a luxury and decisions that increase costs on electricity, gas, water and other essential services creates a direct impact on every household in New York.

Currently, the PSC is an unelected regulatory body and has the authority to approve rate increases without direct input or approval from the elected representatives of the people, the legislature.

The bill also states it is this lack of legislative oversight that has allowed increased rates without sufficient transparency, public engagement, or democratic accountability.

Many New Yorkers learned of the National Grid rate increase well after it was approved and found out the expected cost would average households about $600 more annually.

This bill would restore accountability by requiring any rate increase by PSC be reviewed by thelegislature before taking effect.

If the legislature does not approve the increase within 60 days, it does not proceed.

NYSEG’s final hearings have concluded with their request for a 35 percent increase, equaling about $464.4 million and return on equity of 10 percent for the rate year, resulting in $32 million increase in electric service revenue.

 

Rate requests will be determined by PSC in early fall of this year.

Visit www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S9342 to find additional information regarding bill S9342.