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Rep. Josh Riley is suing the New York State Public Service Commission, claiming the utility regulator did not protect customers when it approved a rate increase for Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation. The lawsuit, filed in Columbia County Supreme Court, seeks a judicial review of the commission’s decision to approve higher rates, which will raise electric bills by about $18 a month and gas bills by $31 a month by 2028. Riley argues the commission failed to consider the large profits Central Hudson sends to its Canadian parent company, Fortis, while New Yorkers face higher utility costs.
According to the Times Union, Riley’s petition states, “The utility monopolies are making massive profits, which they are sending to their foreign parent corporations. The status quo may accept that result, but the law does not, and this case is a textbook example of why that law needs to be enforced, not ignored.” Over the past three years, Central Hudson has delivered about $80 million in annual profits to Fortis.
Riley says the rate hike forces families to choose between essential needs, such as food and electricity. He also claims Central Hudson’s own financial report showed the company had enough revenue to fund its operations and obligations without raising rates. The Public Service Commission, however, defends its decision, stating that while Central Hudson may have had sufficient cash on hand, the rate increase was necessary to maintain financial integrity and access to credit markets. The commission also said Central Hudson is formally viewed as its own entity for regulatory and credit rating purposes.
Central Hudson’s spokesperson, Joe Jenkins, said the company has invested more than $720 million since its acquisition by Fortis in 2013 to upgrade and strengthen energy infrastructure in the Hudson Valley. The commission declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing a policy against discussing ongoing litigation.
Riley’s legal challenge is the latest move in his ongoing opposition to utility rate hikes in New York. In a related dispute, New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) is also pursuing legal action against Riley over public statements he made ahead of another rate case hearing, with NYSEG disputing Riley’s claims about profits being sent overseas.
The outcome of Riley’s lawsuit could determine whether the rate increase stands or if customers will be reimbursed for the higher costs. The court’s decision is pending, and further developments are expected as the case moves forward.