AARP Eye Center
Proposed rate increase would deepen financial hardship and unaffordability crisis for older New Yorkers
EN ESPAÑOL | ALBANY, N.Y. – AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel released the following statement today in response to the proposed $800 million energy rate hike by New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E), warning it would disproportionately harm low to moderate income households, especially older New Yorkers – living on fixed incomes.
“This proposed rate increase is unacceptable. Over 180,500 households are already 60 days or more behind on their energy bills, with arrears totaling $161 million. Additionally, in May alone, 12,350 termination notices were issued. This increase will only exacerbate the financial hardships faced by our most vulnerable residents, especially older adults.
According to the Center for an Urban Future, the number of older New Yorkers living in poverty has surged by nearly 50% over the past decade. Almost half of the state’s older adults report having no retirement income.
This rate request contradicts the efforts of Governor Hochul and the Legislature to keep New York affordable and livable for older residents and all New Yorkers. AARP New York urges the Public Service Commission to reject this rate increase and require NYSEG and RG&E develop a more affordable proposal”.
AARP New York will continue advocating to ensure older New Yorkers aren’t sweating the cost – literally or financially.
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About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.
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