O&R Rate Case Letter - October 2024

October 15, 2024 
Hon. Commissioner Rory Christian 
New York State Public Service Commission 
Empire State Plaza, Agency Building 3 
Albany, NY 12223-1350

Dear Commissioner Christian,

I am writing to express my unequivocal opposition to the proposed rate hikes by Orange and Rockland on rate cases 24-E-0060 & 24-G-0061. These increases are oppositional to the financial well-being of my constituents.

While I acknowledge O&R's investments in enhancing efficiency and infrastructure—efforts that will benefit our community—their plans do not warrant such a substantial price increase. O&R's innovative undergrounding projects, which are aimed at improving service reliability and resilience against storms, are commendable albeit inadequate. However, these advancements should not serve as a pretext for imposing an exorbitant rate hike, as the last rate hike happened no more than 30 months ago (April 14, 2022).

Many families in our community already struggle to manage their utility bills, and this hike would push numerous households to their financial breaking point. The hardship resulting from this increase is significant and cannot be ignored.

I strongly urge the Public Service Commission to reject these proposals and look toward a solution that balances the needs of O&R with the financial realities of our community.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

James Skoufis 
Senator, 42nd District