AARP NY Opposes NYSEG and RG&E’s $800 Million Rate Hike Proposal

Proposed rate increase would deepen financial hardship and unaffordability crisis for older New Yorkers

ALBANY, N.Y. – AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel released the following statement today in response to the proposed $800 million energy rate hike by New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E), warning it would disproportionately harm low to moderate income households, especially older New Yorkers – living on fixed incomes.

“This proposed rate increase is unacceptable. Over 180,500 households are already 60 days or more behind on their energy bills, with arrears totaling $161 million. Additionally, in May alone, 12,350 termination notices were issued. This increase will only exacerbate the financial hardships faced by our most vulnerable residents, especially older adults.

According to the Center for an Urban Future, the number of older New Yorkers living in poverty has surged by nearly 50% over the past decade. Almost half of the state’s older adults report having no retirement income.

This rate request contradicts the efforts of Governor Hochul and the Legislature to keep New York affordable and livable for older residents and all New Yorkers. AARP New York urges the Public Service Commission to reject this rate increase and require NYSEG and RG&E develop a more affordable proposal”.

AARP New York will continue advocating to ensure older New Yorkers aren’t sweating the cost – literally or financially.