New York - O&R Gas Rate Increase Approved by State

New York - If you live in Orange and Rockland Utilities territory and are a natural gas user, your residential rate will be going up by an average of $1.36 per month beginning on November 1.

The state Public Service Commission approved the three-year plan totaling $14.8 million and designed to expand the gas delivery system in Orange and Rockland counties. Utility spokesman Michael Donovan said a number of improvements are needed for Middletown, Monroe, Chester and Washingtonville as a result of a “high growth rate” and a “substantial demand for gas service to improve and expand the communities.”
In the second year of the hike, the average ratepayer will see a $4.21 per month increase. In the third year, $3.53 will be tacked onto the customer’s monthly bill.

O&R had asked the state for a total of about six percent increase; 3.9 percent was approved.