NY Gov. Kathy Hochul Lashes Out Against Upstate Utility Rate Hikes
New York Governor Kathy Hochul says gas and electric rate hikes being proposed by utilities are “outrageous and unacceptable.”
The statement from the Democrat May 26 comes as New York State Electric and Gas and Rochester Gas and Electric proposed a new rate structure that adds 13 to 22 percent on customers’ total electric or gas monthly delivery costs.
“Reliable Energy New York: Investing in Our Future” outlines the Avangrid companies’ plans for energy resilient technology investments that also encourage customers to conserve and reduce carbon consumption.
The outline includes a new rate structure that would mean 10 to 18 dollars more being charged for the delivery of electricity and natural gas.
Hochul says she is urging utility companies to “scrutinize every number and word of this proposal to protect New York families from unjustified and unfair rate increases.” The governor points out that the global economic factors and nationwide inflation that have resulted in soaring prices on everything from food to gasoline is putting a huge stress on many families.
The Democrat says the state gas holiday, that begins next week, will offer some relief for motorists but residents are now looking at the utility companies proposing “the largest rate increase in recent history for more than one-point-two million consumers in Upstate New York.”