Some New Yorkers already know they will soon be paying more for heat and power after the New York State Public Service Commission approved rate hikes for NYSEG and RG&E. And they're not the only utility companies looking to charge more.

But some officials are trying to show the PSC that is unaffordable for many New Yorkers.

Jean Swarthout is retired, but she still needs a way to pay the bills. That's why she works four days a week at her daughter’s shop, Jean Turmo, which was once hers.

But instead of slowing down in her golden years, she might be forced to add more to her plate.

A proposal by the utility company, Central Hudson, could raise the cost of her electric and gas by about $60 a month. That means she’d have to work an extra day at the store.

“Let me see," she said. "I don't know how to say the words that I'm allowed to say on TV.”

It’s not just Swarthout that feels that way.

New York's PSC ruled on the proposals submitted by NYSEG and RG&E on Thursday. The rulings cut the proposed price increase in half as part of a new three-year rate plan.

But many customers will still see around a 10% increase in their bills.

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said the increase Central Hudson is seeking is simply unaffordable for constituents. According to Metzger, about 40% of residents are overburdened with housing costs.

“Which has caused an incredible amount of stress for many people," Metzger said. "It's put a number of people really on the financial cliff.”

She’s seeking for a big turnout of residents at a PSC in-person public hearing scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday in the county's Restorative Justice and Community Empowerment Center, 733 Broadway, Kingston.

“We've been doing a lot of outreach to the hundreds of customers that we've been trying to help resolve their billing issues with Central Hudson, to let them know this is happening and encourage them to attend," Metzger said.

In a statement, Central Hudson officials said the ruling on NYSEG and RG&E doesn’t change their goals, and that they’re willing to explore options that could result in a lower increase.

According to the state, some utility rate increases are necessary to meet increased company costs.

Swarthout hopes that no increase comes but knows that’s not realistic. That doesn’t mean she’s happy about it.

“It just shouldn't be," she said. "They shouldn't allow it to happen. I know everybody needs a little increase, but that's absurd.”

The rate increase from Central Hudson comes on the heels of the company's billing disaster, which saw customers get overinflated or inaccurate bills. That led to the PSC installing an independent monitor to check on their billing practices.