PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – A North Country assemblyman is putting forward legislation to address high utility bills by capping electric rate increases.
Assemblyman Michael Cashman, of New York’s 115th District, said his first bill seeks to stabilize electric rates as state lawmakers prepare to return for session in the coming weeks.
“It seeks to stabilize the electric rates that people are being crushed by our electric companies,” said Cashman, D-N.Y. 115th District.
The legislation responds to high utility bills over the last year by putting a cap on increases at 2.5%, including transmission or other related fee hikes.
If a company proposes anything higher than that cap, the Public Service Commission would pause it from going into effect for 180 days while reviewing the utility and proposed rate.
The bill also prevents utility companies from collecting money on things like shareholder dividends, requires an itemized breakdown on a consumer’s bill and establishes civil penalties that are three times the amount a company collected if they don’t meet the requirements.
“If the companies are not falling within the scope of the program, that those penalties will also be collected and will be used in such a way that helps offset the cost for low-income individuals as well,” Cashman explained.
Utility company NYSEG said the Public Service Commission already does an audit of utility rate plans. The company said in a statement: “The Public Service Commission already conducts a comprehensive and transparent audit of every utility rate plan including NYSEG’s delivery rates, with input from stakeholders, and opportunities for public comment. NYSEG supports greater transparency, including removing charges unrelated to the people, poles, and wires needed to deliver energy, and requiring full fiscal impact reviews for any proposal that adds costs to customers’ bills.
“We look forward to working with Assemblymember Cashman to help make bills more transparent, advocate for greater transparency on energy supply costs, and remove state mandates to make energy more affordable for all New Yorkers.”
North Country Republican lawmakers were unavailable to comment on the bill.
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