Olean council adopts resolutions opposing proposed utility rate hikes

The Olean Common Council on Feb. 25, 2025 passed companion resolutions opposing proposed utility rate increases by the New York Power Authority and Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, doing business as National Grid.

The resolutions, introduced as PL 20-25 and PL 21-25, say the proposed NYPA increase would raise wholesale rates from about $12.88 per megawatt-hour to roughly $33.05 per megawatt-hour over four years and that the National Grid proposal would raise average monthly residential bills by roughly $18.92 (an estimated 15–20 percent increase for electric and gas customers). "A proposed rate increase will raise the rate from 12, 12 88 per megawatt hour to 33, $0.05 per megawatt hour over a 4 year span," Mayor Aiello read during discussion. "This drastic increase ... would place a financial burden on residents and businesses and discourage further development," he added.

Council members said they supported the companion resolutions to signal local opposition to the proposals and to coordinate with other municipalities. PL 20-25 was reported out of committee and later recorded as adopted unanimously. PL 21-25 was adopted by the council with six ayes and one abstention.

Both resolutions were referred out of committee and will be forwarded as part of the council's formal communications; the committee reports noted the text would be circulated to state and federal representatives. The council did not enact any local rate-setting authority; the measures are statements of opposition directed at the utilities and regulators.

The council did not debate specific mitigation steps for residential customers at the meeting. No local ordinances or tariffs were changed; the actions were formal resolutions of opposition only.