the truth about nyseg

It’s more than just climbing rates. In 2025, NYS commissioned a third-party audit of NYSEG and RG&E’s parent company, Avangrid. The findings are shocking and deeply concerning. We are not surprised that a corporate monopoly has been hiding under layers of holding companies, allowing them to skirt customer protections; but we’re ready for change. Below are some of the findings of the independent audit:

budgets prioritize shareholders

The audit found that NYSEG budgets prioritize shareholders and corporate earnings, not the needs of grid infrastructure or customers. Auditors found that budgets were inconsistent, inaccurate, and lacked appropriate oversight.

Strategic planning doesn’t exist

Neither NYSEG nor RG&E participate in strategic planning. That leaves us constantly playing catch-up with our wallets. Planning for the future of our grid and energy use is critical.

POORLY MANAGED AND TRACKED ASSETS

Avangrid massively underspends on asset management, which contributes to NYSEG’s poor electrical reliability. Rather than a comprehensive software platform to track infrastructure and assets, they use an outdated spreadsheet system.

Layers of corporate ownership

Avangrid, NYSEG’s parent company, is actually 5 different companies. This top-down, vertical structure lacks transparency and ignores the unique New York State regulatory landscape meant to protect consumers. Not to mention it does not comply with state law.

Pssst...NYSEG needs your business and will do anything to keep it. Soon, they'll start campaigning against public power. Here's what you should know

busting public power myths

MYTH

Public power is too expensive.

you won't save money on your power bill.

We’ll lose money from lost taxes or franchise agreements.

Public utilities don’t have the resources to provide reliable service.

Forming a public utility is equal to a “government takeover”.

FACT

Infrastructure is expensive, but we don’t pay the costs up front and they don’t impact taxes.

Savings usually range from 13 - 63% compared to investor-owned utilities.

Public utilities take better care of their assets and can respond quicker because they live and work in the community.

On average, public utilities pay 33% more to local governments than investor utilities through PILOTs and/or reduced cost of services.

Forming a public utility can only happen if a majority of residents vote in favor. It is not radical or new and has been around as long as the electric industry itself.

PUBLIC POWER TOMPKINS