Politics & Government

Carlucci Opposes Proposed O&R Rate Hike

Orange & Rockland filed a request July 29 to raise its base rates effective July 1, 2012.

New York State Senator David Carlucci (D-New City) added his voice to those opposing a requested rate hike by Orange & Rockland Utilities.

O&R filed a request July 29 with the New York Public Service Commission (NYSPCS) to raise its electric base rates beginning July 1, 2012. If the request is approved, the average ratepayer's montly electric bill would increase by 3.2 percent. The NYSPCS approved an increase in June which runs through June 30, 2012, though the raise was not as high as O&R requested.

"Residents of Rockland and Orange counties cannot afford, and should not be burdened by, another rate increase imposed upon them by O&R," Carlucci said. "O&R just hit residents with nearly a 3 percent increase and now they want to increase rates again by 3.2 percent starting in 2012.

Find out what's happening in Pearl Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I have asked the Public Service Commission to deny the increase, and I encourage families in my district to contact them as well to strongly oppose any additional increase in rates. Now is the time for us to stand together and stop the financial drain upon the middle class and the elderly, who will be hardest hit by these increases."

Ramapo Supervisor Christopher P. St. Lawrence already came out in opposition to the rate hike last week He called the proposed raise in rates a "handout" and a sign that Orange & Rockland is not taking the current financial climate into account.

Find out what's happening in Pearl Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The O&R request would also set rates through June 2015.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here