Utility watchdog groups in Syracuse and across the state Thursday rallied against National Grid’s rate hike proposal. More than a dozen people gathered in front of the company’s downtown headquarters to drive home their point. The Public Service Commission has been considering the plan since it was first introduced in late May. Ethan Gormley with Citizen Action-New York says it’s not a small request.
“We’re talking about the largest [increase] National Grid has gone after in decades, Gormley said. “For the typical household, it amounts to over $30 more per month. That’s if they’re doing electric and gas. In total, that’s over $400 per year. I don’t need to tell you that of a family living paycheck to paycheck or someone on a fixed income, they can’t afford them.”
Gormley also criticized National Grid’s plans to use the additional revenue to invest in gas infrastructure, which he says contributes to climate change. The groups say the company should move away from fossil fuels and instead invest in renewable energy sources.