Local elected officials are calling for immediate intervention from Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York State Public Service Commission Chairman Rory Christian as Hudson Valley families are receiving utility bills four times higher than the previous month.
In a joint letter to the governor and chairman, Assemblyman Matt Slater, R-Yorktown, and local supervisors are demanding an immediate re-evaluation of New York’s energy policies and stronger consumer protections.
“Hudson Valley residents are being crushed by rapidly increasing utility bills – some have seen their bills quadruple overnight with no explanation or justification,” said Slater. “Gov. Hochul and Chairman Christian must acknowledge this crisis and take swift action. New Yorkers should not be forced to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table.”
Recent reports underscore the mounting pressure on ratepayers, with Con Edison proposing an 11.4 percent increase for electricity and a 13.3 percent increase for gas, potentially adding as much as $2,000 annually to consumer bills.
Additionally, New York State Electric & Gas’ “recovery charge” is blindsiding ratepayers with unexpected fees, and electricity supply costs have spiked without warning, leaving families and small businesses struggling to keep up.
One Kent resident claims the cost per kilowatt hour reflected on her bill increased by more than 40 percent – from $0.06/kwh to $0.09/kwh during peak usage, from December 2023 to December 2024. In January 2025, the peak usage rate further increased to $0.16/kwh – a 60 percent increase from November 2024.
“My power bill, as well as many, many others in this area, has almost tripled from a year ago,” she wrote in a letter to state representatives. “Our January 2025 bill, adjusting for increased usage due to a colder winter, was more than $400 higher than for January 2024. These increases are unconscionable and we have received no satisfactory explanation from NYSEG.”
Representatives from NYSEG will be available at two pop-up events: Wednesday, March 12, from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m., at Yorktown Town Hall; and Thursday, March 13, also from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m., at Carmel Town Hall in Mahopac.
Ratepayers with a day-night meter have been paying more in supply costs than customers with standard meters. Customers with a day-night meter are able to switch to standard meters, and these sessions are an opportunity to request this switch from NYSEG, according to communication from Slater’s office.
The assemblyman has introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at protecting consumers: one that would require utility companies to notify customers when supply costs increase and mandate that utility companies post information about available bill assistance programs on their websites, ensuring consumers are informed and can access help when needed; and one that requires PSC to hold mandatory in-person hearings before approving any rate hikes, ensuring residents have a voice in decisions that impact their financial stability.
“I continue to hear from constituents daily who have been blindsided by outrageous utility bills,” said Slater. “This is an economic emergency that cannot be ignored. Working families and seniors are being crushed under the weight of New York’s affordability crisis. They cannot afford to wait while bureaucrats sit on their hands. Immediate relief is essential.”
Town of Putnam Valley Supervisor Jacqueline Annabi said rising utility costs are placing a heavy strain on families and businesses, making it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities.
“Urgent action is needed to ensure transparency, accountability and relief for ratepayers facing an unsustainable financial burden,” she said. “We appreciate Assemblyman Matt Slater for holding utility companies accountable and advocating for the public.”
Comments