Senator Kennedy Applauds NFG Rate Freeze and Refund Agreement

Timothy M. Kennedy

May 8, 2014

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Senator Tim Kennedy, D-Buffalo, commended the now-approved rate freeze and refund for Western New York customers of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation. Kennedy worked closely with PUSH Buffalo and other community advocates to fight for a fair agreement that directly benefited ratepayers in Buffalo and Western New York.

“With our cold winters and older homes, Western New Yorkers are hit hard each year with high energy bills in order to heat their homes – and we won’t soon forget the harsh winter season that’s now finally ended,” said Senator Kennedy. “With today’s news, some help is on the way. As a result of this agreement, millions of dollars will now be redirected to homeowners and local businesses to help lower utility bills through rebates and weatherization programs. Weatherization assistance will help many of our neighbors live a little more comfortably and make it a little easier to make ends meet.

“Investing in weatherization upgrades will not only help reduce the energy bills of local families and seniors, it will also generate good-paying jobs for area workers in the home-construction industry. It’s a win-win for the Western New York economy,” Kennedy added.

Senator Kennedy thanked Governor Cuomo and the NYS Public Service Commission for helping to deliver a strong and fair agreement for Western New Yorkers.

For addditional details about the agreement, visit: http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/05082014-wny-rate-freeze

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Senator Timothy M. Kennedy represents the New York State Senate’s 63rd District, which is comprised of the town of Cheektowaga, the city of Lackawanna and nearly all of the city of Buffalo. More information is available at http://kennedy.nysenate.gov.