Griffo To Host Public Service Commissioner In Open Forum

UTICA – Sen. Joseph A. Griffo will host representatives from the Public Service Commission during a 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. forum Wednesday at the North Utica Senior Citizens Community Center, 50 Riverside Drive.

The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend. Commissioner Diane X. Burman and members of her office will give a 15 to 20 minute presentation and then open the floor to audience questions.

The Public Service Commission regulates all electric, gas, telecommunications, steam, water and cable services operating in New York. Their representatives have been involved with discussions about an additional area code for Central New York; utility rates – including monitoring spikes in heating costs; and the proposed creation of an independent consumer advocate.

The Public Service Department’s Office of Consumer Policy addresses matters of concern to the commission, including those issues raise in rate cases and proceedings, such as low-income programs, service quality, Smart Grid, retail competition, economic development, and other policy-related development. The office is also responsible for outreach and education, metering, submetering and consumer advocacy, according to its website.

“If you’ve got questions about your utilities, we’re bringing in experts to give you the answers,” said Griffo, R-Rome. “I encourage everyone in the Mohawk Valley to come attend this important - and free - event.”