Cincinnatus Town Board Demands Review on Rising Energy Prices by NYSEG

The Town of Cincinnatus Town Board announced their first resolution for the year was passed demanding an immediate review of New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and their delivery rates. The town also criticized the lack of transparency the company has behind their delivery rates.

The demand for the review follows NYSEG’s ever-increasing rates for customers for both electricity and gas. NYSEG says a standard residential customer using electricity will see a 23% increase ($14) in February due to supply costs when compared to last year. For gas customers, they will experience an 81% increase in supply costs ($61) for February.

NYSGE cites the rise in supply prices due to an increase in consumption of both electricity and gas, adding a colder than average winter has increased demand.

“A day-night rate customer using 501 kWh during daytime hours and 215 kWh during nighttime hours between January 10 and February 9 would see a $61 increase (87%) in daytime supply costs and $21 more (83%) for nighttime supply compared to last year.”

Cincinnatus calls on the New York State Public Service Commission to launch an investigation regarding the price increases, require real cost controls, and to protect rural communities such as theirs from being “unfairly burdened.”

“Rubber‑stamping rate increases without explanation will no longer be tolerated. Cincinnatus is demanding answers, accountability, and fairness.”

The town is also calling on other communities in the state to join their fight, noting no town should stand alone in defending their residents from unjustified utility costs.

NYSEG says energy use affects both supply and delivery charges due to a customer’s usage is combined with the rates to determine total costs. Delivery rates, NYSEG says, stay the same for longer periods and are set by the Public Service Commission, but a supply rate will vary depending on market demand.