04/22/2026
UPDATE: Meeting with NYSEG – What We Heard & Where We Stand
Last week, the Town of Cincinnatus met directly with representatives from NYSEG to discuss the rising cost of electric bills that so many in our community have been struggling with. We appreciate them taking the time to attend and have this important conversation.
NYSEG shared their perspective, stating that much of the increase in recent months was driven by higher supply charges, which are based on market conditions, especially during the cold winter months. They also noted that delivery charges did not increase this winter and that some rate structures, such as day/night rates, can expose customers to more price volatility.
We believe it is important for our residents to hear that information directly, and we are including NYSEG’s full response below for transparency.
But we also want to be very clear:
We continue to hear from residents across our town who are seeing electric bills that have doubled or become simply unaffordable. For many families, especially in a rural community like ours, these costs are not sustainable.
While market conditions may play a role, the reality is this:
The total bill is what matters to our residents.
Delivery charges still make up a large portion of that bill.
And the current system is not working for many of the people we represent.
This is not about being against the utility.
This is about standing up for our residents and demanding a system that is fair, understandable, and affordable.
We will continue to:
• Work with neighboring towns and officials
• Engage with the New York State Public Service Commission
• Push for real solutions that address affordability, especially for rural communities like ours.
And let’s be clear on this as well:
These rates and structures do not exist in a vacuum. They are approved and overseen by Albany and the New York State Public Service Commission. If the current system is producing unaffordable outcomes for rural communities, then changes must be made at the state level.
We are calling on:
Albany leaders to recognize the burden being placed on small, rural towns.
The New York State Public Service Commission to take a hard look at rate structures and affordability protections.
Real solutions that reduce volatility and bring relief to working families
To those who have reached out, shared their bills, and voiced their concerns, please know this:
We hear you - We stand with you - And we are not backing down.
- The Town of Cincinnatus
NYSEG’s response:
Thank you again for the opportunity to attend the Town of Cincinnatus meeting and for the thoughtful discussion around energy affordability. As a follow-up, I wanted to summarize a few key points we covered during the meeting for clarity and reference.
Much of the increase customers experienced over the winter months was driven by higher supply charges, which are market-based and reflect the cost of energy purchased on customers’ behalf. We discussed the differences between NYSEG’s day/night rates and standard flat rates. Unlike standard rates, day/night rates are not hedged, which means customers on these rates are more directly exposed to short-term market volatility. During periods of extreme cold and high demand, this can result in sharper increases in bills.
We also reviewed mandated charges that appear on electric bills. These charges fund state-required programs and taxes and are not discretionary.
To help illustrate how these pieces come together, we reviewed the NYSEG electric bill explainer. On average, a typical electric bill breaks down as follows:
44% supply charges
40% delivery charges
12% state-mandated charges
4% storm recovery costs
As I said at our meeting, NYSEG does not set supply prices and does not benefit from supply charges. Supply is a direct pass-through cost, meaning customers pay the same price NYSEG pays for energy in the market.
We also discussed that many recent municipal resolutions calling for action on high energy bills have focused on delivery charges. Delivery rates, however, are highly regulated by the New York State Public Service Commission, and changes can only occur through an approved rate case. Notably, the last increase to NYSEG delivery charges took effect on May 1, 2025, and delivery charges did not increase during the winter months.
We appreciate the Town’s engagement on this issue and remain committed to providing clear information and working collaboratively to identify meaningful solutions for customers.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you would like to discuss this further or if it would be helpful to provide additional information to the Board or community.
