Auburn City Council has voted to oppose NYSEG’s proposed rate increases and office closures.
At its Thursday meeting, the council passed a resolution opposing the gas and electric company’s plans for a 23.7% increase for electric customers and a 33.5% increase for gas customers that would take effect in April 2027. The resolution stated the price increases would “impose a substantial financial burden” on the city’s residents and businesses.
NYSEG claims the rate hikes are necessary to make improvements to outdated and aging infrastructure; however, Mayor Jimmy Giannettino argued before the vote that the utility company is simply trying to squeeze more money from consumers.
“This really boils down to wealthy people getting wealthier on the backs of working-class citizens and municipalities… and the fact that the Public Service Commission doesn’t hold them accountable and has really just become a rubber stamp for the utility companies, they’re failing in their duties to protect the citizens, and we’re all paying for it.”
The Public Service Commission has the final say on whether or not to approve the rate increases.
Along with increases, the resolution also opposes the plan to close the utility company’s customer service office at 73 Wright Circle in the city, something the city would negatively affect those without reliable internet access, transportation, or digital literacy.
Copies of he resolution will be sent to the state’s Public Service Commission, Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Rachel May, Assemblyman John Lemondes, and NYSEG and Avigrid representatives.
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