Steuben County Legislature Opposes NYPA’s Proposed Rate
Increase for Preference Power Customers
Bath, NY – [February 13th 2025] – On
February 11th 2025 The Steuben County Legislature issued a formal
resolution opposing the New York Power Authority's (NYPA) proposal to implement
a phase-in of cost-of-service rates for customers receiving low-cost hydropower
from the Niagara and St. Lawrence-FDR power projects. The proposed rate
increase, which would nearly triple the cost of hydropower for "preference
power" customers over four years—from $12.88 per megawatt hour to $33.05
per megawatt hour—has sparked significant concern across New York State.
“The proposed increase would have had significant economic
impact on Steuben County residents, “said Chair Fitzpatrick. “A special
legislative session was held to send that message to NYPA. We cannot sit idly
by when this action threatens one of our greatest assets - affordable power.”
The Steuben County Legislature expresses its strong
opposition to the NYPA’s proposed rate hikes, which would have a severe impact
on municipal electric systems, rural electric cooperatives, and their
respective members. Notably, the Steuben Rural Electric Cooperative and Bath
Electric, Gas and Water Systems, both of which operate within Steuben County,
would be hit hard by these rate increases. The resulting financial burden on
local governments and businesses will negatively affect taxpaying residents and
vital services in the region.
After Governor Kathy Hochul announced that she is demanding
the New York Power Authority to suspend its proposed electric rate hike,
protecting consumers from sky-high utility costs that are making New York State
less affordable. Kelly Fitzpatrick Chair of the Steuben County
Legislature said “The people raised their voices, and they were heard. After
public, political and municipal pressure, the NYPA has put a pause on the
double-digit rate increase proposal for hydropower”.
Chair Fitzpatrick said, “This situation will continue to be
monitored”.
In response to this proposal, the Steuben County Legislature has formally opposed the rate increase and urges NYPA to reconsider the negative impact these changes will have on its most vulnerable customers. The Clerk of the Legislature has been instructed to submit a certified copy of the resolution to NYPA’s Corporate Secretary for inclusion in NYPA’s public comment period, which concludes on February 24, 2025.
