BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A temporary rate hike is coming on June 1 for NYSEG customers, but not as much as the utility requested.
The New York State Public Service Commission recently approved the following temporary rate hikes for delivery charges: 0.2 percent for electric customers and 1.7 percent for natural gas customers. The Commission said the temporary rates will allow a 3.7 percent revenue increase for NYSEG electric and a 0.5 percent revenue increase for NYSEG gas.
According to the Commission, under the proposed tariff changes filed on June 30, 2025, NYSEG is "seeking substantially higher rates" than the temporary increase that was authorized.
The Department of Public Service estimates that the increase that NYSEG has proposed would result in a monthly bill increase of $33.12 (a 23.7 percent increase to total bill) for a typical residential electric customer and a monthly bill increase of $33.57 (33.5 percent increase to total bill) for a typical residential heating customer.
The Commission is expected to decide final rates in the coming months.
“Governor Hochul is demanding strict fiscal discipline from the utilities and has directed the Department of Public Service to prioritize affordability for ratepayers while scrutinizing any rate increase proposals to ensure the lights and heat stay on. The Commission’s authority to establish temporary rates during the course of a rate proceeding for electric and gas utilities is well-founded. We have determined that a temporary rate, in the context of these major rate proceedings, is the best tool available to provide the additional time necessary to thoroughly review the proposals and make our final determination to establish just and reasonable rates.”
A NYSEG spokesperson provided the following statement to 7 News:
“We are reviewing the New York Public Service Commission’s order establishing temporary rates for NYSEG and RG&E. As the process moves forward, we understand how important it is to keep energy bills affordable while continuing to invest in a safe, reliable, and resilient energy system.
We appreciate the leadership of the Commission and look forward to continuing to work with staff and other parties as the process moves forward. Sustained investment in grid infrastructure helps rein in future costs and supports ongoing system reliability, particularly as New York’s communities and economies continue to grow. We will continue to engage thoughtfully and constructively as this process advances toward a final outcome.”
