Tomorrow, a state agency may determine if National Grid rates will increase in New York.
The state Public Service Commission (PSC) is scheduled to have its monthly meeting on Thursday morning.
On their agenda is approving National Grid’s request for a three-year plan to increase rates by $22 a month.
By year three, the average customer would see an increase of $50 a month.
You may be wondering why this is happening in the first place.
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According to National Grid’s website, the increases would help target key reliability and resiliency investments, promote economic growth, and advance the states’ renewable energy and emissions reduction goals.
National Grid reps say the state had 61 storms last winter, with 24 of those affecting at least 51,000 customers.
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“That storm activity continues to increase, and it’s one of the things that we want to be ready for,” said Patrick Stella, Communications Manager for National Grid Eastern NY.
If approved, it could financially impact customers next winter.
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“Knowing that some customers are going to be challenged by increased rates, we’ve increased some of our programs for customers who are having problems with their bills or challenges with their bills.”
It’s been four years since National Grid increased rates.