Town of Ramapo Supervisor Christopher P. St. Lawrence today called on the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) to reject a new rate hike request from Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R).  St. Lawrence sent a letter today to PSC Secretary Jaclyn A. Brilling and requested intervenor status, which would enable him to take an active role in this rate case.

On July 29, 2011, Orange and Rockland filed a request with the PSC seeking approval of an electric base rate increase of $17.7 million.  If O&R’s rate hike request is approved by the PSC, the average ratepayer would see their electric bill increase by 3.2% every month beginning in July 2012.

Just last month, the PSC approved another rate hike request from O&R and granted them an increase in electric rates that would raise the average ratepayer’s monthly bill by 2.7%.

“At a time when people are struggling to pay their bills and make ends meet, it is outrageous that Orange and Rockland would once again come knocking on the ratepayers’ door looking for a handout,” said Supervisor St. Lawrence.  “The Public Service Commission must not allow Orange and Rockland to balance their budget on the backs of seniors on fixed incomes and families that are already shouldering a heavy financial load.  By going back to the Public Service Commission with yet another rate hike request and looking for a guaranteed rate of return in today’s tenuous economic climate, Orange and Rockland is seemingly turning a blind eye to the monumental fiscal challenges that our families presently face.”

In his letter to the Public Service Commission, Supervisor St. Lawrence noted that he has been an outspoken advocate for the ratepayers in previous rate cases before the PSC and has actively opposed the utilities’ requests for rate increases on a number of occasions.

“Having served as an intervenor in the United Water Rate case as well as the last Orange & Rockland Electric and Gas rate cases before the Public Service Commission, I am familiar with the responsibility of being an intervenor and look forward to working with the Public Service Commission,” wrote St. Lawrence in his letter to PSC Secretary Brilling.

“The Town of Ramapo is very interested in maintaining an active role in this case,” continued Supervisor St. Lawrence.  “Particularly in these difficult financial times, our town residents are sensitive to the rates they are charged by their utilities and it is important that we do everything possible to control costs and ease the financial burden on our local residents.”

(YWN Desk – NYC)