(Binghamton, NY) On September 18, 2009 NYSEG asked the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) for approval to increase the rates the company charges to deliver electricity and natural gas to customers. The proceeding is still pending before PSC. On January 25, 2009 Broome County filed a Motion to Intervene in this proceeding.

 

Broome County has annual billing for NYSEG delivery charges of electricity in excess of $669,000 and delivery charges of natural gas in excess of $272,000. Many residential, industrial, commercial, and public agency users also have substantial NYSEG bills.

 

Broome County, New York State, and this entire country are suffering through an economic downturn. In the middle of this economic pressure, NYSEG has applied for a rate increase which will guarantee substantial returns for its investors. While Broome County would never oppose increases necessary to maintain a high level of delivery and service, it cannot support rate increases at this level. 

 

On January 27, 2010, Broome County filed a formal Motion to Intervene in the New York State Public Service Commission proceeding. This will allow the county to be one of the parties in the PSC proceeding. “I intend to do everything in my power to ensure that our electricity and natural gas bills do not rise exorbitantly. NYSEG is a protected utility in the State of New York. With that protection comes responsibility. NYSEG must do more than simply protect its investors. It must also protect New York State consumers.”