BATH, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Steuben County Legislature voted to unanimously oppose the New York Power Authority's proposed rate hike over the next four years. Concerns have emerged across the state as affordable power remains in jeopardy.

Back on Tuesday, a special legislative session was called to pass the resolution that strongly opposed the New York Power Authority's proposal. The governor has also chimed in, demanding the NYPA suspend the proposal and re-evaluate the situation.

Lawmakers at all levels of New York State politics have voiced frustration and anger at a New York Power Authority proposal that would have dramatically increased rates over a four year period. Customers in counties like Steuben would feel the pain of higher electricity costs, as the plan would impact the Niagara and St. Lawrence-FDR power projects.

"We cannot afford to do things and make policy that continues to escalate how much it costs to live in New York State. We want to encourage people to live in New York State. The whole reason to have a municipal electric system is that it's not necessarily not wanting to make a profit, but it doesn't pay shareholders," said Kelly Fitzpatrick, Chair of the Steuben County Legislature.

The proposed rate increase would have nearly tripled the payments from $12.88 per megawatt hour to $33.05 per megawatt hour. Governor Hochul has already demanded the NYPA suspend the plan to increase rates amidst the pushback.

"We all understand that the cost of producing the electricity and the labor necessary is all expensive and it costs money and those rates continue to go up as well. But this needs to be a well -thought -out plan for an administration that wants to encourage electricity use and discourage uses of other forms of power," added Fitzpatrick.

Earlier today, Governor Hochul also announced a plan to audit compensation of utility company executives, building on the halted rate increase from earlier in the week. The audit seeks to protect New York's from unfair price increases while monitoring executive salaries and contributions.

“New Yorkers deserve fair and transparent utility rates,” Governor Hochul said in a press release, “This audit will ensure that utility compensation structures are working for New Yorkers, not rewarding expected behavior. We will hold utilities accountable and ensure their focus is where it should be: delivering reliable, affordable, and high-quality service. At a time when families are facing rising costs, we are taking decisive action to ensure every dollar that customers pay is justified and that utility companies are prioritizing the needs of the people they serve.”

The statewide audit will review the payment and compensation for utility company executives. With the goal of enabling cost-saving measures that will have minimal impact on consumers whilst keeping providers accountable.