Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utility Rates topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Amsterdam council urges state review of rising electric delivery charges
Summary
The common council passed a resolution asking the New York State Public Service Commission to review electric delivery charges, citing cases where delivery fees appear to exceed the cost of energy and to burden seniors and small businesses. The council amended the measure to remove a clerical-collection requirement before adopting it.
The Amsterdam Common Council on March 17 approved a resolution urging the New York State Public Service Commission to conduct an immediate review of electric delivery charges, saying recent billing practices have placed an unsustainable burden on residents and small businesses.
A council member sponsoring the measure said delivery fees in some cases "exceed the actual cost of the energy being used," and framed the resolution as seeking transparency, stronger cost controls and affordability protections for ratepayers. The resolution asks the PSC to prioritize affordability, demand greater transparency from NYSEG, and require demonstrable operational-efficiency measures before approving future rate increases.
Council members debated a procedural clause that would have required the city clerk to collect complaints and supporting documentation from citizens. One member said that administrative requirement could create an unnecessary routing burden; the council voted to amend the resolution to strike that clause before taking final action. The roll call recorded five "Aye" votes for the amended resolution in the transcript.
The resolution directs the city clerk to transmit copies to the New York State Public Service Commission, NYSEG, the governor and state legislators and encourages coordination among affected municipalities. It takes effect immediately upon adoption.
The measure cites concerns about delivery charges and rate structures, and the council's action authorizes the city to file or support formal complaints with the PSC; the resolution text included language urging the commission to ensure rates are just, reasonable and affordable for ratepayers.
