NYSEG customers across WNY demanding answers from utility company
CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) — Western New York residents gathered Tuesday in Cheektowaga seeking answers about why their electric bills have been skyrocketing.
Most of the customers said they have never seen prices like this before, but NYSEG continues to say its meter readings are accurate.
Two community conversations were held Tuesday where residents were able to sit down with NYSEG representatives to discuss their electric bills one-on-one.
Christopher Knospe, the regional manager for communications at NYSEG, said high bills all depend on the customer.
“Your energy usage is going to be different than my energy usage,” Knospe said. “We’ve had an abnormally warmer summer that can create more consumption so there’s a number of different factors to look at.”
Another hot topic was NYSEG’s smart meters that have been making their way into Western New York neighborhoods. Knospe said the new meters are very accurate compared to the older ones. Residents claim the new meters are to blame for their bills going through the roof.
Cheryl Kupiec, a Cheektowaga resident, told WIVB News 4 her normal bills ranged from $60 to $70. Her most recent bill came out to over $180.
Residents who attended the community conversation Tuesday afternoon in Clarence are equally as frustrated.
“They know you need it [electricity], and they’ll extort you any way possible to get that cash out of your pocket,” said Lockport resident Michael Francoforte.
Many customers across Western New York also said communication with the company has been a big issue. Several residents said they try to call NYSEG and can’t get any of their questions answered.
“Nobody has said anything about what the progress is, what we’re doing, or how we’re going to handle things,” said Lancaster resident James Lenahan. “I just don’t think it’s a very fair thing.”
There are two additional NYSEG community conversations happening on Wednesday. One will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at the Depew Municipal Building. There will also be one held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Alden Municipal Building.
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Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here.
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