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Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and Board of Legislators Join State Lawmakers in Urging Action Against Rising Utility Costs

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In Latest Move Against NYSEG Rate Hike,
Westchester Joins Statewide Brief to PSC

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and the Westchester County Board of Legislators announced that the County has signed on to a joint brief submitted to the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) by a coalition of State legislators, calling for stronger oversight of proposed rate increases by New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E).

The brief, filed by State Senators and Assemblymembers representing communities across the County, raises serious concerns about the affordability of utility bills and the financial strain facing residents.

Jenkins said: “At a time when families are already struggling to keep up with everyday costs, rising utility bills is simply unacceptable. Too many Westchester residents are being forced to make difficult choices just to stay current on their energy bills, and the possibility of even higher rates only adds to that burden. Westchester County is joining with our State partners to urge the Public Service Commission to put ratepayers first—by scrutinizing these proposals, demanding full transparency, and ensuring that any rate decisions are fair, responsible and do not place an unnecessary burden on residents. Reliable service is essential, but it must come at a cost that people can actually afford.”

Westchester County Board of Legislators Chair Vedat Gashi, and Legislators Colin Smith and Erika L. Pierce, represent districts in northern Westchester that are partially or fully served by NYSEG.

Gashi said: “How much longer can we ask working families to absorb rate increase after rate increase while service stays the same or gets worse? The Public Service Commission must grapple with that question. By joining this statewide coalition of legislators, Westchester County intends to make sure they do. Westchester County residents deserve both the lights on and the ability to pay for them.

Smith said: “Westchester residents are already struggling with high utility bills, and they should not be asked to absorb another steep rate increase while too many customers continue to face unreliable service and poor customer support. By joining this brief, we are standing with ratepayers and urging the Public Service Commission to closely scrutinize NYSEG’s proposal, protect affordability, and keep rates as low as reasonably possible while ensuring safe and reliable service.”

Pierce said: “NYSEG's outlandish increase proposal is a slap in the face to residents who are already struggling with high utility bills, made worse by the utility's poor customer support. As this brief identifies, we need better oversight and protections for ratepayers, so that bills are reasonable, service is reliable, and ratepayers are not left covering the costs of the lawyers fighting against their best interests.”

The joint brief highlights growing concerns from residents across the state about escalating energy costs, unreliable service and customer service challenges. It urges the PSC to carefully review the utilities’ proposed rate increases, and limit costs to what is necessary to provide safe and reliable service.

Westchester County is joining NYS legislators in calling on the PSC to:

  • Prioritize affordability for residents and small businesses
  • Scrutinize all proposed utility expenses
  • Limit excessive profits for utility companies
  • Ensure accountability and improved customer service

The PSC is expected to issue a decision on the rate cases later this year. Westchester County will continue to advocate for policies that protect residents, promote transparency, and ensure access to reliable and affordable energy.