PSEG Long Island Proposes Monthly Delivery Charge Increase

UNIONDALE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Long Islanders will likely roll their eyes when they hear the news PSEG Long Island wants to increase bills.

If approved by the trustees, PSEG would receive $72 million per year after an increase in the delivery charge, which means about $3.25 extra per month for the average customer, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reports.

"It's on the heels of a three-year rate freeze and we believe that it's going to give the Long Islanders the electric utility that they deserve, one that's going to be there for them in a storm, one that's going to be there for them to keep the lights on every day," PSEG Spokesman Jeffrey Weir said.

The increase would start in 2016.

"There's a limit, there's a straw that broke the camel's back. Affordability is the big question," energy expert Matthew Cordero said.

In December 2014, PSEG hiked rates for the seventh time that year, Hall reported.

Spokeswoman Elizabeth Flagler said in December 2014 the utility was raising its power supply charge 14 percent, which means about another $10.50 per month for the average customer.