Riley Calls for Public Hearings on NYSEG Rate Hikes Across NY-19

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Congressman Josh Riley (NY‑19), a formal party in the ongoing NYSEG rate case before the Public Service Commission (PSC), has filed a motion demanding a series of public hearings be held across Upstate New York to give working families a voice in the fight against soaring utility bills.

“If NYSEG and its multinational owners want to hike rates on Upstate families, then they can show up, look us in the eye, and answer for it,” said Rep. Riley. “These hearings are about making sure working people get a say before Wall Street gets another payday.”

This action builds on Riley’s broader campaign against utility giants. In April, he launched a formal investigation into regional providers’ pricing practices, citing widespread complaints from constituents “sorting their budget into envelopes” only to see utility costs spike. He’s pushed regulators to demand detailed billing breakdowns and audit whether customer dollars are propping up overseas profits.

His fight reflects mounting pressure from local leaders and communities struggling to afford rising utility bills. As the Ithaca Times reported, constituents are demanding corporate accountability and real reform.

In his motion, Rep. Riley called on the PSC to convene hearings in or near Binghamton, Ithaca, Oneonta, and Monticello—on weeknight evenings to maximize working-class participation—and urged regulators to compel the participation of NYSEG’s corporate owners, Avangrid and Iberdrola.

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