Council urges state AG to probe NYSEG/RGE and adds speed-camera demonstration resolution

The Ithaca Common Council on June 3 unanimously approved two state-directed measures: a request that the New York State Attorney General investigate NYSEG and Rochester Gas & Electric, and a corrected resolution asking the New York State Legislature to authorize a speed-safety camera demonstration program in Ithaca.

Council members said electric rates and customer-service practices motivated the request for the Attorney General to investigate NYSEG/RGE and their financial relationship with their parent company. Alderperson Trumbull said residents are experiencing sharply higher electric rates and that the resolution is meant to "send a strong message" about rate and performance concerns.

Separately, the council unanimously approved a corrected speed-camera resolution (the item had to be re-added because of a typographical problem in the prior vote). The mayor said he would deliver certified copies to Albany to facilitate consideration before the state legislative session ends.

Why it matters: The AG request asks a state-level law-enforcement and regulatory official to examine utility practices; while the Public Service Commission sets rates, the Attorney General can investigate potential misconduct or financial relationships. Speed-camera authorization requires state legislation; the council's resolution urges the state to permit demonstration programs locally.

What happens next: The council transmitted the speed-camera resolution to Albany and certified copies for delivery; the AG request will be delivered to state authorities and may prompt a response from the Attorney General's office or the PSC.