State officials face criticism from Gallahan due to National Grid's rate increases
In upstate New York, a new rate plan approved by the Public Service Commission for National Grid customers has sparked controversy due to significant rate hikes. The plan, which was unanimously approved on Aug. 14, includes a $167.3 million increase in the first year, a $297.4 million increase in the second year, and additional increases in the third year, totaling $708 million over three years for electric revenue.
Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan, a Republican representing the 131st Assembly District, has expressed criticism towards this rate plan, particularly its connection to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and its aggressive climate targets. Gallahan accuses Albany bureaucrats of prioritizing political goals over affordable and reliable energy, claiming the mandates from the CLCPA are causing job losses, increasing costs, and weakening the grid.
The exact perception of Governor Hochul's role in the rate increase via the Green New Deal or CLCPA is not explicitly mentioned in the provided search results. However, there is a broader debate about the impact of climate policies on utility costs. Critics argue that Governor Hochul's public statements overlook the true cost burden of these policies on ratepayers and the need for clear accountability metrics for affordability and environmental impact.
The rate plan is expected to increase average residential electricity bills by $14.32 per month in the first year, and gas customers may see an increase of $7.66 per month. National Grid states that the plan will support its clean energy goals and includes over $290 million in bill discounts for income-eligible customers.
Despite Gallahan's criticisms, the rate plan also includes hundreds of new jobs and targeted investments in storm resiliency and clean energy. The plan aims to support grid reliability, storm response, clean energy goals, and affordability programs for low-income households. Without specific statements from Assemblyman Gallahan, it can be inferred that some lawmakers might share concerns about how such policies affect utility costs and the ability of regulators to balance affordability with environmental goals.
As the debate continues, it is crucial for all parties involved to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of the rate plan, ensuring a balanced approach towards a sustainable and affordable energy future for all New Yorkers.
The rate plan, while aiming to support clean energy goals and provide bill discounts for low-income customers, has sparked controversy among some lawmakers due to significant rate hikes. Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan, a critic, accuses Albany bureaucrats of prioritizing political goals over affordable and reliable energy, citing the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) as a cause for job losses, increased costs, and weakening of the grid. The broader debate, however, revolves around the impact of climate policies on utility costs, with critics claiming that Governor Hochul's public statements overlook the true cost burden on ratepayers.
