National Grid Customers from NYC and Long Island Flood Albany With Thousands of Comments, Urging Regulators to Halt Multi-Billion-Dollar Fracked Gas Expansion and Rate Hike Proposal
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT: Priscilla Grim, Communications Director, Sane Energy Project, 347-682-9783 priscilla@saneenergyproject.org
Albany, NY - On May 16th, Sane Energy Project, supported by a powerful coalition of over 5,500 petitioners, delivered a resounding message to the New York State Public Service Commission and Governor Hochul, demanding the rejection of National Grid's proposed multi-billion-dollar investment in its fracked gas system and massive rate hikes for customers.
Sane Energy Project’s Director, Kim Fraczek, underscored the gravity of the situation, stating that “we made the trip to Albany today to carry the voices of thousands about the proposal before the Public Service Commission right now is an obdurate defense of the fossil fuel industry whose goals are completely contrary to the laws of New York State. It dismisses those burdened by mounting utility debt and proposes adding billions of dollars in unnecessary charges to bankroll new fracked gas infrastructure. This is clear evidence that the gas utilities continue manipulating the system to serve their shareholders' interests at the expense of the public's well-being. This is not a game. This is people's lives.”
If National Grid's proposal is approved, the average residential gas heating customer in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Long Island would see a compounded monthly bill increase of up to $67 over the next three years.
Michael Davis, Resident of Brooklyn, said, “Fossil fuel monopolies like National Grid are as responsible for the climate crises as gun makers are responsible for mass shootings. As long as regulators and governments insist on rewarding and protecting the perpetrators and their money, we will be left to deal with the deadly consequences. We have one option: to keep fighting the corrupt system.”
Margot Spindelman of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, said, "We must chart the course to shut down National Grid’s Greenpoint Energy Center at 287 Maspeth Avenue. I have participated as an intervenor in two successive rate cases that have tried to balance what is best for the community with what National Grid claims is best for their shareholders. Despite notable victories, we still contend with an enormous looming rate hike to keep this facility producing gas that expert testimony in the rate case proves we do not need. I have been working with the No North Brooklyn Pipeline Alliance for four years to move away from continuing the legacy of toxicity that has haunted Greenpoint for so long. It is simply the only way forward for us to survive."
Long Island’s George Povall, Executive Director of All Our Energy, said, "Our communities cannot afford National Grid's unjustifiable rate hikes. Our climate cannot afford continued unjustifiable damage when we have clean solutions. We urge Governor Hochul and the Public Service Commission to prioritize the well-being of New Yorkers and the planet over corporate greed and reject this hike."
Queens resident Piper Werle expressed frustration over the potential rate hikes: "Every National Grid customer needs to know that this corporation wants them to foot the bill for bad investments totaling $3.8 billion. This includes an almost a half billion investment in the Greenpoint Energy Center, which an expert witness has deemed potentially unnecessary. Our hard-earned money must be invested in sustainable, affordable energy solutions instead of lining the pockets of corporate shareholders. Maintaining a stable, livable future for working-class people depends on it.”
Kathryn LaMontagne, a NYC resident and climate activist, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “This is a critical moment for New York State to demonstrate leadership in the fight against climate change. I campaigned for the Build Public Renewables Act, passed last year, requiring NY to transition to 70% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% by 2040. Approving this rate hike will steer us toward violating the BPRA, or leave NY residents footing the bill for billions in stranded assets. NY must stand by our commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect our planet's future.”
Brooklyn resident Andrea Karo says, “NY is supposed to be a leader in new energy forms. This is counterintuitive and the opposite of our goals in emission reduction.”
Mary Finneran, a Coxsackie Athens retired teacher, said, "National Grid not only insists that their customers finance the supply of unnecessary, harmful gas that jeopardizes our climate, economy, and safety, but they also have the audacity to propose that their customers bear the cost of endangering communities in Athens and Dover, NY. The so-called 'Iroquois' fracked gas pipeline, which extends from Canada to Long Island's National Grid territory, is part of a scheme to expand and double the amount of gas, allowing both companies to profit at the public's expense. Neither the ratepayers nor the upstate residents desire or require this dangerous and unwanted proposal."
Matthew, a NYC resident for the planet, stated, “It's ridiculous that I would willingly pay to poison our planet, its people, creatures, and places. It's preposterous that National Grid wants to raise rates on LNG usage, to charge me and every other ratepayer in New York State even more to do so. It is certainly outlandish that our elected New York government officials, who are supposed to keep us safe and healthy, would allow this and willingly pay to let it happen, too. This is a rhetorical question, but would you pay and then ask for a price increase to poison yourself?”
The representative residents call for the following actions:
Zero investment in fracked gas infrastructure in Case 23-G-0225/23-G-0226.
A detailed plan with an enforceable deadline of 2030 to permanently retire the decaying LNG facility at National Grid's Greenpoint Energy Center.
Investment of state and federal funds in developing thermal energy networks and energy efficiency initiatives, including retrofit and electrification readiness programs for low-income New Yorkers.
Residents remain committed to holding decision-makers accountable and ensuring that New York State leads the nation in wise climate policy.
The group plans a mass rally at the National Grid facility on June 2, 2024
