Steuben County Urges State Review of Soaring Electric Delivery Costs
Bath, NY – The Steuben County Legislature has formally requested a comprehensive review of rapidly increasing electric delivery charges impacting residents, seniors, and small businesses. The resolution, adopted on March 23, 2026, urges the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) to investigate the rising costs and implement measures to ensure affordability and transparency.
Ratepayers in Steuben County are experiencing substantial increases in their electric bills, driven not by higher energy consumption, but by escalating delivery charges, fees, and PSC-approved rate adjustments. These rising costs are creating a significant financial strain, particularly on households and the local economy in rural communities like Steuben County.
Legislature Calls for PSC Action
The resolution specifically calls on the PSC to:
- Investigate electric delivery charges.
- Strengthen cost controls for utilities.
- Enforce greater transparency in how utility rates are set and approved.
- Prioritize affordability for ratepayers.
- Require measurable cost-containment efforts from New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG).
- Complete unjustified rate increases that disproportionately impact rural and low-density communities.
“Part of the PSC responsibility is to ensure that our electric service is done at just and reasonable rates,” stated Chair Fitzpatrick of the Steuben County Legislature. “What is currently happening in our state is making utility bills completely unaffordable to families. This must be investigated.”
Resolution Details
The resolution, Intro. No. 27, introduced by K.M. Hanna, explicitly opposes continued or automatic rate increases that shift costs onto ratepayers without clear justification or adequate protection for rural communities. It emphasizes the need for affordability, equity, and a cumulative burden assessment on ratepayers.
A copy of the approved resolution will be forwarded to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, the Senate Majority Leader, Assembly Speaker, State Senator Tom O’Mara, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, Assemblywoman Andrea Bailey, the Chair and CEO of the Public Service Commission, the PSC Secretary, the President and CEO of NYSEG, the New York Association of Counties, Inter-county Association of Western New York, and the Schuyler County Legislature.
Steuben County’s Concerns
The Steuben County Legislature’s action reflects growing concerns about the affordability of electricity in the region. The resolution highlights the disproportionate impact of delivery charge increases on rural communities, where cost-recovery mechanisms may not adequately account for affordability and equity. The legislature believes that stronger cost controls, greater transparency, and meaningful affordability protections are essential to ensure a sustainable and equitable energy future for all residents and businesses in Steuben County.
For more information about Steuben County initiatives, visit the official Steuben County website.