UTILITY RATES ARE TOO DAMN HIGH!
Holding Utility Companies and the NYS Public Service Commission Accountable
Utility rates are too damn high! That’s right, for the past several years our utility companies and their investors, including foreign ones, have reaped enormous profits, while our rates skyrocketed and our families struggled to keep up.
Why is this?”
When corporations in every other sector raise their prices, customers have the option of shopping around for lower prices, and better service. Not so with utilities, they are a monopoly and we are their captive customers.
As stated on their website, the NYD Public Service Commission has a broad mandate to ensure access to safe, reliable utility service at just and reasonable rates.
However, it’s working and here’s part of the reason why:
Under the current system, utility companies are guaranteed a certain rate of return above and beyond their expenses. Offering good wages and benefits to their hard-working people is a worthwhile expense, however expenses items like lobbying, PR, advertising, non-essential travel and lavish executive bonuses are not, and we shouldn’t be forced to pay for them.
When submitting their proposals for increased rates, they’re not required to include the economic burdens on individuals, families and small businesses who are already struggling just to survive.
If utilities companies take in more than their authorized rate of return, they’re currently not required to return the excess amount to customers.
Utility companies often include fixed fees in their billing which have nothing to do with operations and maintenance costs directly related to metering, billing, service connections, and customer service.
…… and more
Right now, Democrats in the NYS Senate are advancing a package of bills seeking to reverse these unfair practices and hold utility companies accountable for serving our interests. They’re also working to put “public service” back into the Public Service Commission by focusing on just and reasonable rates. When you elect me to the NYS Senate, I’ll be right there with them, fighting for you!