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National Grid bills going up after PSC approves rate hike - National Grid won approval to raise gas and electric rates by nearly $1 billion over three years, adding about $600 annually to household bills. A new bill proposes giving lawmakers, not just regulators, authority to review and reverse future utility hikes.
Upstate New Yorkers are about to feel another hit to their wallets.
The Public Service Commission has approved National Grid’s request to raise gas and electric rates by nearly $1 billion over the next three years. For the average household, that means about $600 more each year by the time the full plan is in place. The bills will go up incrementally over three years.
Residential electricity customers using an average of 625 kilowatt-hours per month can expect to see an increase of:
National Grid says the hike is needed to keep the grid safe and reliable. But many families, seniors, and residents on fixed incomes say the timing couldn’t be worse.
That’s why Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara has introduced the “Utility Rate Hike Legislative Review Act.” His proposal would give lawmakers the power to review, reduce, or even reverse future rate increases. He argues decisions with this kind of impact shouldn’t rest solely with regulators, especially when affordability is at stake.
This push is already sparking debate. National Grid defends the plan as a compromise needed to maintain service, while critics see it as one more strain on communities already facing higher costs across the board.
The question is bigger than just one rate hike. It’s about how we balance reliability, affordability, and accountability in our energy system. Families need power they can count on—but they also need bills they can afford.
Do you think utility rate hikes should stay in the hands of regulators, or should legislators have the power to step in?
https://www.timesunion.com/business/article/psc-approves-national-grid-rate-increase-20817364.php