rate increase

The rate agreement will amount to an increase of approximately 24% in costs for NYSEG electric customers, spread out over three years. The utilities say the average residential customer will see an increase of around $10 per month the first year, starting next month.

"This is particularly worrisome for customers with low and fixed incomes, as well as small businesses."

Over 50 people at a public hearing called on the Public Service Commission to deny rate increase.