Upstate United: Finger-Pointing Doesn’t Make Utilities More Affordable for New Yorkers

August 15th, 2025

The following statement can be attributed to Justin Wilcox, Executive Director of Upstate United

“Yesterday, the Public Service Commission (PSC) approved rate increases for two Upstate utilities. We appreciate the widespread concerns around affordability for New Yorkers, and we agree with the sentiment of PSC Chairman Rory Christian and the other commissioners who voted to approve the new rates. While the PSC has not been perfect, the fact of the matter is that state leaders and policymakers need to acknowledge the role they have played in driving these outcomes rather than blaming the PSC for adhering to state law and doing its job.

“New Yorkers need transparency when it comes to the government mandates that are buried in their utility bills and a better understanding of the factors that drive up the cost of energy supply and delivery – a combination of which has led to these unsustainable increases.”