NYS Assemblyman proposes idea of municipal energy in response to high bills [Video]

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — New York State Assemblyman Patrick Burke (D) returned to the Erie County Legislature on Thursday morning to start on conversation on municipal energy in Erie County, in response to higher-than-usual NYSEG energy bills.

“Our residents are unhappy about this, and it’s unacceptable,” said Burke, who said not entertaining the idea of exploring municipal energy would be irresponsible to him.

Last week 7 News’ Derek Heid went to Springville, which runs its own energy, and spoke to Burke about starting this conversation.

“A place like Springville, NY that has municipal power…They pay 4 cents per kwh, while the average in New York State is 23 cents per kwh,” said Burke.

“Let’s really sit with this notion of a government-controlled utility,” emphasized NYSEG Communications Manager Alexis Arnold. “This is not the road Erie County wants to go down.”

“It would cost about $17 billion or more to buy …