Griffo urges PSC to reject National Grid rate increase and NYPA to not raise preference power rates

New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C- Rome, today urged the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) to reject proposed electric and gas rate increases by National Grid. The rate changes would result in total monthly bill increases for customers of 15% for electric and 20% for gas.

In a letter to the PSC, Sen. Griffo wrote that rejecting the increases would provide much-needed relief to ratepayers in New York.

 

“Many New Yorkers and their families are facing significant financial challenges and are struggling to make ends meet,” Sen. Griffo wrote. “While I recognize that there are considerable costs involved with delivering safe and reliable energy service and that the state has embarked on an ambitious and costly energy transition, it is my belief that now is not the right time for these rate increases due to these financial constraints.”

 

Additionally, Sen. Griffo has asked the New York Power Authority to reconsider raising rates for its preference power customers.

 

Municipalities, school districts, businesses and nonprofits across the state benefit from NYPA’s current preference power rate of $12.88 per megawatt hour. However, this rate will be increased to $33.05/MWH over the next four years. These additional costs will not be absorbed by affected organizations but will likely be passed on to consumers and residents in the form of increased product costs and taxes.

 

“While I recognize the need to ensure that NYPA’s infrastructure is up to date and reliable, this rate increase will create significant challenges for communities, businesses, families and New Yorkers who are already struggling financially,” Sen. Griffo wrote in a letter to the NYPA Board of Trustees. “It is my fear this rate increase will force even more residents to flee the state because they cannot afford to live here anymore and will ultimately result in local businesses closing or leaving for better opportunities in other states where it is less expensive to do business.”

 

Residents are encouraged to express their concerns to the PSC and NYPA.

 

 

“I have heard from many constituents about these proposed rate increases and how the additional costs will impact their daily lives,” Sen. Griffo said. “It is concerning that National Grid and NYPA are considering raising rates at a time when so many New Yorkers are facing financial challenges, which is why I am urging that their proposals be rejected. Unfortunately, this situation further highlights problems with the state’s unaffordable and unsustainable energy goals and climate policies, including the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), and the significant costs associated with implementing them.”

 

###