BUFFALO, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday signed new legislation aimed at increasing transparency in public utility rate changes.
And the Public Service Commission held another hearing about a proposed rate increase for National Grid customers.
This was a virtual hearing for anyone to share their thoughts, but more than half of the people who signed up either didn't call in or hung up before they were called on.
The people who did talk, though, had strong opinions.
"I can assure you that we give a lot of attention to the comments we receive from the public," Public Service Commissioner Denise Sheehan said.
Wednesday afternoon, people from all over the state logged on or called in to be part of the Public Service Commission's public hearing about the proposed National Grid rate hikes.
It lasted about an hour, and 10 people spoke. Six opposed the rate increase, and four either supported it or what National Grid does in their communities.
"I just wanted to take a minute here to acknowledge the partnership we had with National Grid's Make Ready program. We were able to have this partnership allow Chautauqua Institution the opportunity to install a few EV chargers for our grounds," Ryan Boughton of the Chautauqua Institution said.
For the average residential gas customer, if approved, the rate hike would mean you'd be paying about $18 more a month. For electric customers, on average you could expect to pay about $19 more a month.
One customer said she already pays National Grid enough.
"To increase rates above and beyond that is absolutely ridiculous, and I hope the Public Service Commission takes a hard look at the fact that they're, National Grid, is already charging customers a fee. It's right on the billing statement that they send every month," National Grid customer Carol Diote said.
You still have time to share your opinion with the PSC. If the rate hike is approved, it would go into effect April 1, 2025.
Late Wednesday afternoon, State Senator Patrick Gallivan's office released a statement saying the senator is urging the PSC to reject the rate hike proposal.
“The requests by utilities to raise rates sheds additional light on the significant costs associated with implementation of the state’s climate policies, including the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, or CLCPA, which is unaffordable and unsustainable," Senator Gallivan said in a statement.