ALBANY – Citing outrageous and unexplained utility bill spikes impacting families across the district, State Senator Peter Oberacker today called on the NYS Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee to launch a full-scale investigation into the practices of utility companies like NYSEG.

“Families in my district are being hit with $3,000 bills and unauthorized withdrawals of nearly $1,000 without warning,” said Senator Oberacker. “This isn’t just bad billing –  it’s borderline criminal and we need answers.”

Senator Oberacker cited the disturbing case of a constituent in Unadilla who received a $3,000 bill and another constituent whose monthly NYSEG auto-pay of $150 suddenly jumped to a $980 withdrawal with no notice. 

Senator Oberacker specifically questioned the link between these dramatic cost increases and the rollout of so-called “smart meters” and pushed for reforms to increase transparency and accountability. 

Among the Senator’s proposed solutions:

• A full investigation by the Senate Investigations Committee;

• Mandatory, fully itemized utility bills showing supply, delivery, taxes, and surcharges clearly;

• Clear labeling of estimated bills and procedures for correction;

• A ban on utility companies passing along lobbying and PR costs to ratepayers.

“New Yorkers aren’t asking for favors. They’re asking for fairness, honesty, and some basic accountability,” Senator Oberacker added. “Utility companies shouldn’t be able to raid people’s bank accounts or bury charges behind vague line items. We need to bring this abuse to light.”