Latest news with #PeterOberacker
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Oberacker wants investigation of utility companies
State Sen. Peter Oberacker on Wednesday called on the state Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee to launch a full-scale investigation into the practices of utility companies such as New York State Electric & Gas. 'Families in my district are being hit with $3,000 bills and unauthorized withdrawals of nearly $1,000 without warning,' Oberacker said in a news release. 'This isn't just bad billing — it's borderline criminal and we need answers.' Oberacker cited the case of a constituent in Unadilla who, he said, received a $3,000 bill and another constituent whose monthly NYSEG auto-pay of $150 suddenly jumped to a $980 withdrawal with no notice. Oberacker specifically questioned the link between the dramatic cost increases and the rollout of so-called 'smart meters' and pushed for reforms to increase transparency and accountability, the release stated. Among Oberacker's proposed solutions were: • A full investigation by the Senate Investigations Committee • Mandatory, fully itemized utility bills showing supply, delivery, taxes and surcharges clearly • Clear labeling of estimated bills and procedures for correction • A ban on utility companies passing along lobbying and public relations costs to ratepayers 'New Yorkers aren't asking for favors. They're asking for fairness, honesty, and some basic accountability,' Oberacker said. 'Utility companies shouldn't be able to raid people's bank accounts or bury charges behind vague line items. We need to bring this abuse to light.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Schoharie County to be honored for voter turnout
The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors has announced that the county ranked first for voter turnout among 33 counties in New York with a population between 10,000 and 100,000 people in the November 2024 election. According to a news release rom the county, Schoharie had a 74% voter turnout rate in the November 2024 election. The 'Rejoice the Vote's' Votingest Award will be formally presented to the Board of Supervisors at its June 20 meeting on the third floor of the Schoharie County Office Building at 284 Main Street in Schoharie. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. According to the release, the award is given by Rejoice the Vote, a non-profit, non-partisan project in Tompkins County 'whose mission is to honor this history of voting rights in the U.S. and to encourage a culture of voting as a critical right and a reason for joyful celebration.' Assemblyman Chris Tague, state Sen. Peter Oberacker and U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik have been invited to the award ceremony, along with Election Commissioners Ken Schweigard and Clifford Hay, according to the release. Tague. R-Schoharie, said, 'It's an inspiring act of patriotism to see voters in Schoharie County showed up at the polls in November 2024 at such a high rate. One of the greatest civic challenges we face in the 21st century is inspiring voters to make their voices heard and show up on Election Day. A turnout rate of 74% in Schoharie County surpassed the turnout rate nationwide, and I feel so proud to represent a community that remains engaged and active in the voting process.'
