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Resident calls out NYSEG and state clean-energy charges after $356 electric bill
Summary
A Villanova resident told the legislature her $356 electric bill included roughly $181 in delivery and accessory charges she said fund clean-energy programs administered by NYSERDA and complained the costs fell disproportionately on retirees and fixed-income residents.
Susan Baldwin of Villanova addressed the Chautauqua County Legislature on July 23 to complain about a $356 electric bill she received and to call attention to delivery and accessory charges she said amounted to about $181.07 of the bill.
Baldwin pointed to a state-mandated System Benefits Charge used to fund clean-energy activities conducted by NYSERDA and said many accessory fees are added beyond supply charges. She described paying nearly $200 in charges she said support green-energy programs and said the costs were burdensome for her retirement income.
She said an electrical check found no leaks and urged attention to the effect of such charges on county residents. Baldwin framed the issue as a statewide policy and utility billing concern but asked the county to note the burden on local fixed-income households.
Why it matters: increases in utility charges and state-mandated fees can affect low- and fixed-income households and raise local interest in energy affordability and program design. Baldwin's remarks are a public record of community concern and may prompt constituent inquiries to county leaders or state utility regulators.
Legislative context: Baldwin addressed the second privilege of the floor. No formal county action or motion was recorded in direct response during the meeting.
