The real right way to affordable, reliable power

Brooklyn: The op-ed on New York’s energy future that ran on June 16 (“The right way to bring down New Yorkers’ electric bills”) is correct that we must ensure affordable, reliable service for New Yorkers while meeting the threat of climate change. Unfortunately, the piece, which unfairly targets National Grid, gets many facts wrong. National Grid fully supports the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act; our clean energy vision meets and exceeds the act’s 85% emissions reduction goal. Critically, it avoids costly retrofits and equipment upgrades that would hit the most at-risk New Yorkers hardest and allows all to retain their heating source and appliances of choice. Without a massive overhaul of our energy system, we cannot meet New Yorkers’ energy needs with only renewable sources and electrification. Following the authors’ preferred pathway will result in skyrocketing prices and service disruptions. Our path to net-zero uses proven fossil-free fuels like renewable natural gas (RNG) that is produced by capturing existing methane, including from landfills and wastewater, and green hydrogen, which will help to ensure New Yorkers have reliable access to clean energy at a price that won’t break the bank.

Climate change has no simple solution and whatever pathway is chosen should not rely on a single option. New Yorkers who are interested in finding solutions that meet our shared clean energy goals without driving costs sky-high deserve science-based facts, not badfaith attacks based on ideology.