Chickatawaga Town Board Opposes NYSEG Rate Increases and Advocates for Utility Transparency

In a recent Town Board meeting held in Cheektowaga, New York, council members united to address pressing concerns regarding rising electric rates and the implications of new energy mandates. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as board members discussed the approval of a site plan for a local project, but the conversation quickly shifted to the economic challenges facing residents, particularly working families and seniors grappling with inflation and soaring utility bills.

The board unanimously passed a resolution opposing further electric rate increases proposed by New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG). This resolution, sponsored by council members including Polarski, Noap, Filipkowski, Bukowski, and Thompson, emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability from utility companies. The council expressed strong discontent with the current utility structure, which they argue prioritizes profits over customer service and public safety.

Councilman Chudlinski highlighted the impracticality of the state's green energy mandates, particularly in the context of Western New York's harsh winters. He and other council members voiced concerns that mandating all-electric systems could lead to disastrous outcomes for residents, especially given the existing issues with the electric grid's reliability. The board members collectively recognized the need for a balanced approach to energy that does not compromise affordability or safety.

As discussions progressed, council members called for a public forum with representatives from NYSEG and National Grid to address residents' concerns directly. They emphasized that the current utility landscape, dominated by a few companies, limits consumer choice and exacerbates the financial burden on households.

The meeting concluded with a sense of solidarity among the council members, who are determined to advocate for their constituents. They plan to continue pushing for reforms that prioritize the needs of Cheektowaga residents, aiming to foster a more equitable and sustainable energy future. The resolution will be forwarded to Governor Kathy Hochul and other state officials, signaling a united front against unchecked utility rate hikes and advocating for a more consumer-friendly energy policy.