Monticello – Assembly Member Paula Elaine Kay (D-Rock Hill) appeared on today’s episode of the Catskills News Conversations podcast (Spotify, Apple Podcasts) with host Dylan Price of Sullivan Catskills Radio to announce that she has formally joined the New York State Public Service Commission’s ongoing case as an intervenor. Kay stands in opposition to NYSEG’s proposed 23% rate increase, which is slated to take effect in May 2026 and would add roughly $33 to the average monthly bill in Sullivan County.

“Too many families in Sullivan County are already grappling with sky-high utility bills, and a nearly $400 annual increase per household is just not sustainable,” said Assembly Member Kay. “I’m taking this step because I believe the state needs a stronger voice standing up for rural communities. As an intervenor, I intend to be that voice.”

Longstanding Concerns

The NYSEG rate hikes have become a flashpoint issue across the region, with public frustration mounting since the PSC approved a three-year increase in 2023. While the utility cites long-overdue infrastructure upgrades, multiple audits have shown NYSEG failed to properly invest in maintenance for years, leading to widespread outages and billing issues. An audit, finalized in 2025, from the Public Service Commission confirmed what many already feared: that the burden of New York’s energy transition has been falling squarely on residents’ shoulders.

In February, Assembly Member Kay and Senator Peter Oberacker hosted workshops connecting NYSEG executives directly with residents. Those events resulted in real, practical relief for many residents who were billed incorrectly.

“I never want to see someone choosing between paying rent, buying food, or keeping their lights on,” Kay said at the time. “If people still can’t afford their bills, maybe the PSC needs to take another look at these rate hikes.”

Kay emphasized her desire to collaborate with the utility to improve infrastructure without unreasonably burdening consumers.

Advocacy and Action

While acknowledging the need to modernize the power grid, Kay has remained firm that affordability and safety must come first—particularly during the hottest months of the year when electricity for air conditioning is a safety concern. Illustrating the systemic issues, a blackout in the Town of Fallsburg early this month left residents in the dark for hours.

“Our community understands the need for utility upgrades, but we cannot keep asking residents to shoulder the cost,” said Kay. “Too many people are already struggling with high bills and shutoffs. The current situation is not sustainable. The utility must find a responsible way forward that ensures reliable service while protecting residents from unaffordable rate increases.”

What It Means to Be an Intervenor

By becoming an intervenor, Assembly Member Kay will formally enter the PSC’s legal proceeding, giving her office the right to submit evidence, question testimony, and advocate for residents throughout the regulatory process. While the PSC accepts public comments from any New Yorker, intervenors play a more active, legal role in shaping the case’s outcome.

“I’ve spent my career as a prosecutor, a town attorney, and now as a legislator fighting for the people who too often don’t have a seat at the table,” Kay said. “Joining this case as an intervenor isn’t just paperwork—it’s a statement that the residents of Sullivan and Orange Counties matter, and we’re not going to be ignored.”

Legislative Action on Utility Reform

In Albany, Assembly Member Kay has been a vocal advocate for holding utilities accountable and increasing transparency. She proudly sponsored multiple bills that passed during the 2025 legislative session.

• A2468: Creates the State Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate; passed both Assembly and Senate
• A4712: Adds a Utility Intervention Unit representative to the State Energy Planning Board; passed both chambers
• A5969A: Limits when utilities can send estimated bills; passed both chambers
• A1441A: Strengthens PSC complaint-handling procedures; sets required response times; passed Assembly
• A8151: Improves transparency around rate case changes in supply and delivery costs; passed Assembly

“These reforms are about empowering consumers and making the utility system more responsive to the people it serves,” Kay said. “As always, there’s more work ahead.”

More Information

• Public Service Commission audit
• NYISO Power Trends Report
• Comptroller’s report on Climate Act Goals (See second bullet point in “Key Findings” for notes on New Yorkers’ challenges paying utility bills)