Paterson to NYPA: Hold off on rate hikes
Written on March 24, 2009
Gov. David Paterson Monday called on the New York Power Authority to reconsider any rate increases and incentive pay hikes.
The hot-button issue has created a storm of complaints from public officials since notion of a rate increase by NYPA came to light in the past week, leading several lawmakers to speak out.
“Even a minimal rate increase, as you’ve proposed, could have a negative impact on businesses and nearly 2.5 million New York residents,” Paterson said in his letter to NYPA Chairman and CEO Richard Kessel.
Paterson followed the lead of several public officials, including Niagara County Republican state Sen installment payday loans. George Maziarz and Democrat Rep. Brian Higgins of Buffalo. They argue any rate increase would unfairly impact Upstate New York. Also on Monday, Erie County Executive Chris Collins asked residents to sign an online petition against the NYPA proposal.
The Power Authority operates the Niagara Power Project in Lewiston and despite its presence, New Yorkers continue to pay among the highest electric rates in the nation.
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