Summary
The CaSE Advisory Board wants the county to consider funding a public power feasibility study; Chair Weiser asked for a deeper presentation covering costs, obstacles, and lessons from Rochester's roughly $500,000–$1 million study effort before supporting it.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 10
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 6, 2026.
Impact analysis
A feasibility study could cost from roughly $500,000 to $1 million based on the Rochester example.
Utility customers frustrated with investor-owned utilities could gain local control over power if public power proves feasible.
Residents already face high bills and billing problems; proposed increases would deepen the burden.
Mentions & discussions (10)
Planning, Energy, and Environmental Quality Committee - Regular Meeting — August 6, 2026
The CaSE Advisory Board wants the county to consider funding a public power feasibility study; Chair Weiser asked for a deeper presentation covering costs, obstacles, and lessons from Rochester's roughly $500,000–$1 million study effort before supporting it.
Planning, Energy, and Environmental Quality Committee - Regular Meeting — June 4, 2026
Temporary NYSEG rate hikes took effect June 1 — 3.7% on electric delivery and 0.5% on gas — and the state ordered negotiations to resume June 17 after a settlement fell through. The final rates will be retroactive, so bills could adjust again later.
Planning, Energy, and Environmental Quality Committee - Regular Meeting — May 7, 2026
The county's brief arguing for affordable rates, a heat pump rate, and keeping the Ithaca walk-in center open got picked up by the Department of Public Service; now it's a waiting game for the judges' decision.
Planning, Energy, and Environmental Quality Committee - Regular Meeting — April 2, 2026
The county filed a post-hearing brief in the NYSEG rate case opposing the closure of the Ithaca walk-in center, pushing on affordability, and seeking a heat pump rate. A decision could mean significant changes to residents' electric and gas bills.
Tompkins County Legislature - Regular Meeting — March 19, 2026
Two member resolutions urge the state to enforce the Climate Law (cap-and-invest, funding the Build Public Renewables Act) and reform the Public Service Commission to protect ratepayers — including transparency on utility return-on-equity that can swing ratepayer costs by tens of millions.
Planning, Energy, and Environmental Quality Committee - Regular Meeting — March 5, 2026
NYSEG wants electric rates up about 35% and gas up nearly 40%, on top of a 62% electric hike in 2023 — and the utility is under state investigation for billing and management failures. The committee drafted a resolution backing state bills to cap utility profits, protect low-income customers, and stop shutoffs, but pulled it back for editing before the March 19 Legislature meeting.
Facilities and Infrastructure Committee - Regular Meeting — February 19, 2026
The county is locking in new electricity and natural gas supply contracts through a multi-county buying group, aiming for lower costs and guaranteed renewable energy credits.
Tompkins County Legislature - Regular Meeting — February 18, 2026
NYSEG is asking for delivery-charge increases of roughly 35% for electricity and 39% for gas, on top of supply costs that have spiked this winter. Legislators pressed the utility hard on reliability failures, deferred maintenance, customer arrears of $230 million, and the proposed Ithaca walk-in office closure. The county is a formal party to the rate case and has submitted testimony on affordability, heat pump rates, and billing problems.
Tompkins County Legislature - Regular Meeting — January 21, 2026
Legislators flagged rising electric bills and the NYSEG transmission line project through Newfield, where 90-foot poles will affect about a dozen residents; NYSEG agreed to meet individually with affected homeowners.
Tompkins County Legislature - Regular Meeting — January 7, 2026
Legislator Weiser reported that negotiations with NYSEG over its rate increase are underway, with the county and Fossil Free Tompkins at the table seeking lower rates and more accountability. She also testified at a state Senate hearing on utility oversight.
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