ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)--- New Yorkers saw an increase in their utility bills after a rate hike, approved by the Public Service Commission, went into effect last month.

"By law, the Public Service Commission and its staff must look after the profitability of utilities as well as ensure rates are fair," explained Russ Haven, General Counsel for NYPIRG. "That creates an inherent tension. To address this conflict, many states have established independent offices to just represent rate payers."

Haven, along with members of AARP, want New York to do the same. At the Capitol, they called on Governor Hochul to sign legislation that would create the state Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate. They believe the new office would stand up for consumers during process that determines rate hikes.

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