The Catskill Chronicle

WASHINGTON, DC (May 28, 2014) – Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) has condemned the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for refusing to grant a rehearing on new energy capacity zones that will raise electric rates for Upstate New Yorkers.

“The heads of FERC are apparently unwilling to listen to the people they work for,” said Congressman Gibson. “Raising electricity rates after the winter we just had is outrageous, and yet this agency persists with plans to further raise energy bills for hard-working families and small business owners in the Mid-Hudson Valley. I sincerely hope the courts will act favorably and on our behalf.  We have real issues that need to be addressed in our energy marketplace in New York. FERC is given the responsibility to weigh the costs and potential benefits.  In this case, the commission’s decision to ignore the concerns of ratepayers and their elected representatives shows flawed judgment at the commission as well as a broken process in need of reform.  I reject the notion that the only way to lower rates, which are among the highest in the nation, is to raise them first.”

Last month the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) and Central Hudson Gas & Electric secured a ruling by the United States Court of Appeals that called on FERC to issue a decision on a rehearing of the capacity zone proposal.

FERC announced this week that it would not hold a rehearing, but the Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear further arguments on the matter June 3.

The capacity zones are expected to raise electricity rates for customers in the mid-Hudson Valley between 3% and 10%.

Earlier this year Congressman Gibson co-authored legislation that would prohibit FERC from moving forward with the implementation of the new zones. A bipartisan coalition of elected officials from virtually every level of government in New York has also resisted efforts by federal regulators to increase energy costs.