Amid a pandemic when thousands of New Yorkers are unemployed and relying on government assistance, restaurants, bars and other small businesses struggle to meet payroll, taxes and pay basic bills, some have even closes, NYSEG wanted more money. Spectrum already raised its rates in the midst of the pandemic at a time when subscribers struggle daily to live on unemployment checks and food banks work overtime to meet record demands.
123th District NY State Assemblywoman Donna Lupado, of Broome County, has issued word of a small victory for the beleagured middle class. Electric and gas utilities are often one of the most difficult bills residents have to pay each month, said Luprado. Colder winters and hotter summers have increased energy use, but with no relief from utility companies as rates continue to rise.
As we enter the winter months, ratepayers won a small victory against NYSEG. Starting in 2021, rates will increase by less than 2% annually over the next three years; that’s nearly 25% less than the double-digit rate increases proposed by the utility company.
The high cost of utilities is a topic I hear regularly from constituents; when the latest rate increases were proposed, I communicated those concerns directly to the Public Service Commission, said Lupardo. “They listened and helped limit the proposed increase.”
For anyone having trouble affording the cost of heating their homes, Lupardo said the state’s HEAP program is available to help. Click here for more information.
