National Grid wants to raise our rates and expand fracked gas infrastructure. However, a new year brings a new chance for the Public Service Commission to fix our utility rates, so we are sending them
a trio of New Year's Resolutions!
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Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE) is asking the Public Service Commission to reject National Grid's rate hike request. Furthermore, we are asking them to lower National Grid's high fixed charges (the part of the bill that you pay no matter how much energy you use), and we're calling on them to stop National Grid's plans to expand its gas distribution network in NY.
You can join the postcard campaign! Sign on-line, and we will deliver your postcard to the PSC. And whether you are or are not a National Grid customer, please pass this along to someone who is!
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If you receive a utility bill from Central Hudson, Citizens for Local Power have a postcard for you to send!
We're delivering all cards on Thursday, January 18, 2018. This form will be closed on January 17. The postcard text is as follows:
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Sign a card today!
We do NOT want our utility rates to be increased, and we do NOT want a buildout of dirty gas infrastructure. The use of natural gas and other fossil fuels for heating buildings in New York accounts for almost 40% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions from energy (second only to transportation). To achieve New York’s climate goal of a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, we must dramatically decrease in the use of fossil fuels for heating buildings. Our utility company should not be expanding the number of gas customers or investing millions of dollars in gas pipelines. Instead, utilities should be planning to move customers to geothermal and air-source heat pumps. (For more information about these efficient electric technologies, visit RenewableHeatNow.org). Aside from fixing leaking pipes that pose a danger to the public and the environment, the utility should put all of its home heating investments into rapidly transitioning to heat pumps.
We want our fixed charges – flat monthly fees that every customer pays, regardless of the amount of electricity consumed – to be reduced. New York has very high residential fixed charges, higher than in all neighboring states. For example, National Grid has a residential fixed charge of $17 in New York, but only $5 in Rhode Island and $5.50 in Massachusetts. Connecticut recently reduced the residential fixed charge for one utility from $17.25 to $9.67, and New York should follow suit. A majority of residential customers would benefit from lowering the fixed portion of our electricity bills. Data from the current National Grid rate case in New York confirms that average usage is lower for National Grid’s low-income customers, and many low-income consumers would benefit from lower fixed charges.
Please join us in sending the Public Service Commission this resolution: make it a Happy New Year in New York with more affordable, fair, and clean energy!
All the best in 2018!
Andra
Communications and Outreach Coordinator
Alliance for a Green Economy
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