Legislators Approve Challenge to Proposed Double-Digit Utility Price Increases
The Board of Legislators voted unanimously Monday to advocate for Northern Westchester residents against substantial rate increases recently proposed by New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG).
In a bipartisan decision, the Board authorized the County to join NYSEG’s rate proceedings before the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC), which regulates the utility. This action continues the Board’s efforts to challenge the utility rate increases that burden residents, demonstrating the County’s commitment to working families, older adults, and small-business owners by safeguarding access to affordable electricity and gas.
On June 30, NYSEG proposed rate increases that would raise residential utility bills by an average of 23.7% for electricity and 33.5% for gas, starting May 2026. These hikes would follow six years of prior increases that have generated significant utility profits while many residents struggle with basic necessities.
By obtaining party status in the rate case, the County gains legal standing to conduct discovery, submit testimony, and participate in hearings to advocate directly for residents. This intervention follows the County’s similar action in Con Edison’s rate case in March, showing the Board’s dedication to challenging excessive utility rate increases through the regulatory process.
The PSC will determine final rates after a months-long administrative process. The Board of Legislators will soon host Public Input Sessions in Northern Westchester municipalities in NYSEG’s coverage area, giving residents the opportunity to share their experiences and submit comments for the public record in NYSEG’s rate case before the PSC.
Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D- New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, “NYSEG’s rate hikes may impact fewer people than Con Edison’s, but they are no less egregious. In fact, they are significantly higher. People use NYSEG because they have no other choice. It’s a monopoly hiding behind an intentionally frustrating and opaque process. Our vote shows the Board doing everything possible to advocate for our residents.”
Legislator Colin D. Smith (D- Cortlandt, Peekskill, Yorktown), Chair of the Board’s Legislation Committee, said, “As members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, we are joining NYSEG’s rate case to stand up for our residents and businesses on the record with the PSC. Westchester ratepayers deserve reliable service and fair pricing, not repeated outages, billing problems, and steep increases. We’re taking this step to hold NYSEG accountable and ensure our communities are not left in the dark, literally or financially.”
Legislator Erika L. Pierce (D- Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers) said, “I enthusiastically support our County joining this rate case. I have been flooded with emails from constituents who have had problems with NYSEG. There have been so many issues with poor customer service, delivery, inadequate infrastructure, and problematic billing practices that, as someone living in this district for more than 25 years, NYSEG has made managing and understanding even my own bill impossible. The PSC’s recent audit included 128 recommendations for improvements, which shows the scope of these problems. Our ratepayers need a voice at the table, and Westchester is stepping up to be that voice.”
