MID-HUDSON – Scores of angry and frustrated residents have bombarded New York State Electric and Gas Company staff in recent weeks with the same concern: “Why has my utility bill gone through the roof?”
The answer according to NYSEG is simple: Higher bills are resulting from colder temperatures leading to a higher use of heating equipment.
Gloria Maloney of Carmel said her utility bill more than doubled in the past month from $302 to $716. “We need help and NYSEG must be investigated,” she said.
Loren Goldberg said her bill in the past ranged between $60 and $120: “Now its $600 each month for the same use of energy.”
Carmen Diaz called the rates “crazy. My bill tripled in the past month and when you call them they are useless.”
Laura Matton described herself as being on a “fixed income. I can’t afford these bills any more.”
Maloney said to add insult to injury, NYSEG has proposed “significant rate increases for 2026 which if approved by the PSC could mean additional hikes in bills.”
Another reason expressed by the representatives was that electricity prices have increased due to increased demand for natural gas which is used to generate electricity.
Customers were also informed that energy prices in the marketplace often lead to bill variations.
Officials with NYSEG said the supply cost is a pass-through cost set by energy generators and suppliers that NYSEG must collect but has no control over adding, the company does not profit from supply charges.
A NYSEG spokesman explained: “Due to the severe cold weather, households are using more energy to keep houses at the same temperature. With that increase in usage, the cost of gas and electricity supply rates have also increased, which NYSGE has no control over and doesn’t profit from. The bills that customers are now seeing are from the previous month, where nationwide it was predicted to be 8 percent colder than the average temperatures of the last 10 Decembers. With colder weather come higher usage and the higher price of energy, what is a pass through cost for NYSEG, these factors are often times the reason for customers’ higher bills.”
The utility spokesman encouraged customers who have questions about their bill to “contact us immediately, so NYSEG can explain these reasons and find ways they can save energy usage and costs. NYSEG also has a number of resources that customers can take advantage of to help with their bills like budget billing, payment plans, and energy manager. Customers can also visit nyseg.com/HelpWithBill to learn about assistant program like HEAP and EAP, they can also call 888.315.1755.”
Meanwhile, NYSEG has begun conducting Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) awareness and educational outreach events in its Brewster office that began last Friday.
HEAP is a federally funded program that helps eligible households cover energy costs.
Throughout January, a customer advocate will be available to answer questions and help customers understand their bills and the tools to better manage energy use. Advocates can help determine if customers qualify for the Energy Assistance program (EAP), an additional monthly credit, and other financial assistance, including budget billing and payment plans.
The events will be held on Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 35 Milan Road off Route 312 in Brewster.
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