O&R rate increase hearing set for Feb. 17

GOSHEN — The New York State Public Service Commission will host a public hearing on Thursday, Feb. 17, in the Legislative Chamber of the County Office Building in Goshen from 4 to 6 p.m., and later from 8 to 10 p.m., to discuss O&R’s proposed electrical rate increase. According to the commission in a Jan. 5 filing, O&R has proposed to raise electrical rates to help generate $59.4 million in revenue. The purpose of the rate hike, according to the filing, is O&R needs to recover costs incurred for post-employment benefits, such as pensions, storm costs, increases in operating costs, lower forecasted sales, new infrastructure and increased property and other taxes. To submit comments in writing, mail to: Jaclyn A. Brilling, Secretary, NYS Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, N.Y., 12223-1350. To ensure the letter is properly processed and received, reference it with “Case 10-E-0362 - Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. - Electric Rates;” or to www.dps.state.ny.us and fill out the “PSC Comment Form” under the “Consumer Assistance” file. To submit comments to Brilling by e-mail: secretary@dps.state.ny.us and reference it with “Case 10-E-0362 - Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. - Electric Rates.” To call the commission with comments, call 800-335-2120.