State Senator John Bonacic has expressed his opposition to a proposed rate hike by Orange and Rockland Utilities for electric service.  O&R is proposing to increase rates by nearly $55 million over the next two years. 

Bonacic told the Public Service Commission, which must approve the rate hike, that O&R customers are already overburdened.  He also said O&R should have to prove the rate hike is necessary and explain exactly how service would be better for the customers under increased rates. 

The State Public Service Commission is holding public hearings in Goshen and Ramapo on O&R’s plans.  The Goshen hearing is today, March 15, at 4 PM and 7 PM at the Emergency Services Building auditorium at 22 Wells Farm Road.  The next public hearings take place in Ramapo at Ramapo Town hall at 4 and 8 PM on Wednesday, March 28, 2012.    

People wishing to comment online to the PSC can find the link on Senator Bonacic’s website:  www.SenatorBonacic.com.    You can also call the Public Service Commission’s toll-free opinion line at 1-800-335-2120. This number is set up to take comments about pending cases from in-state callers, 24 hours a day. Callers should press “1” to leave comments, and should refer to "Case 11-E-0408 – Orange & Rockland Utilities – Electric Rates.”  

All comments provided through the internet or phone should be submitted, or mailed and postmarked, no later than April 13, 2012. 

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