Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - All Erie County Legislator Frank Todoro had to do to understand the issue of rising costs connected to heavy demands on the electric power grid was open his mail.
Todoro said his residential electric bill rose 30% in recent months.
"And, I am not alone," Todoro said.
Fellow county lawmaker John Mills said power supply costs for his business - which supplies food products to area stores and restaurants - has increased 11%, again with rising electric costs the primary culprit.
"Does that mean I have to raise the cost of roast beef?" Mills said.
The examples cited by Todoro and Mills are just the latest snapshots of how rising power costs are impacting everyday residents and both the private and public sector.
"They are basing it on 'Mickey Mouse math'," Mills said.
Development projects like a proposed apartment building in Canandaigua have been scrapped because of electric power supply concerns. Developers in the Buffalo Niagara region are raising similar red flags.
At issue are strict New York State mandates putting more emphasis on electric-powered items ranging from generators and power lines to household items such as stoves.
Some of the mandates kick in on Jan. 1. Others are filtered in during the next five years.
"My wish is that the state would take a deep breath," Todoro said.