Riley Discusses NYSEG Bill with Gilbertsville Fire Department

By TERESA WINCHESTER
GILBERTSVILLE

District 19 Congressman Josh Riley (D) met with members of the Gilbertsville Fire Department and Emergency Squad on Saturday, September 20 to discuss reasons for and impacts of rising bills from New York State Electric and Gas. NYSEG is proposing a 23.7 percent rate increase over three years—one of the largest electric utility increases in the country.

The meeting occurred as a result of GFD Treasurer Scot Lueck’s contacting Riley’s office after learning that the congressman was investigating NYSEG’s rate hikes. Those present were Gilbertsville Fire Chief David Robinson and fire department members David Haynes and Lueck. Town of Butternuts Supervisor Bruce Giuda also attended, Gilbertsville being located in the Town of Butternuts.

Riley said at the outset that he was impressed by the GFD’s finances and budget, to which Robinson responded, “We operate on the principle of need versus want.”