PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – The New York Power Authority approved a rate hike for customers in Plattsburgh, marking the first increase since 2014.<\/p>\n
The plan will be phased in over time, starting in April 2026. Annual increases amount to about 3%, or one to two additional dollars per month on bills, based on electricity usage.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you don\u2019t have ten dollars, guess what, it\u2019s a lot of money,\u201d said Mayor Wendell Hughes, D-Plattsburgh.<\/p>\n
NYPA\u2019s proposed hike would affect 47 preference power communities, which includes Plattsburgh. Preference power communities are municipalities that receive low-cost energy from hydropower electricity.<\/p>\n
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul scrapped NYPA\u2019s previous proposed hike in 2025, which would have tripled rates.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are still going to have some of the cheapest rates in the country and in the state out of this deal. It is just the timing of this can not be any worse,\u201d Hughes said.<\/p>\n
Hughes said while NYPA\u2019s proposal comes during a time of rising costs, he doesn\u2019t believe the city has many better options.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn open market to me is not an option. I mean, that would be, we would probably see a triple or a quadruple increase,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have consistently called on the governor and electric providers to act immediately to lower costs for ratepayers. I was recently made aware of this lawsuit, but I would point out that it highlights what New Yorkers across the state already know,\u201d Assemblyman Michael Cashman, D-Plattsburgh, said in a statement. \u201cWith NYPA\u2019s rate schedule under state control, implementing a pause should be a straightforward decision. There are major problems with New York State electric providers that need to be addressed, although the most expedient path to a solution would be direct executive action through the Budget and long-term legislative reform. I will keep an eye on this case, but my priority at this time is to ensure that the North Country gets the resources it needs now.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Common Council will vote on the city\u2019s agreement with NYPA at Thursday\u2019s special Common Council meeting.<\/p>\n
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