Public critical of rate hike
Speakers ask company, state commission to reconsider proposal
TROY, N.Y. » Local customers had the opportunity to voice their opinions about a proposed rate hike by National Grid at two public meetings on Tuesday.
A information session and public statement hearing was held Tuesday evening at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy, where about two dozen community members came out to listen, ask questions and comment on the rate proposal put forward by National Grid. If approved by the state’s Public Service Commission, this would increase the cost of energy delivery services paid by all customers.
Earlier on Tuesday, another presentation and public statement hearing was held in Schenectady, and more are scheduled to take place in coming days in Lake Placid, Syracuse and Buffalo.
At the Troy event, attendees learned from National Grid representatives that delivery prices have remained stable for more than a decade, while the company has invested billions in electricity and gas infrastructure and systems.
National Grid’s manager of community and customer management Michael DiAcetis explained the two components of a monthly energy bill: energy supply, which is determined by market price, and energy delivery, which reflects the company’s costs to operate, maintain, grow and modernize its distribution system.
The latter fee is regulated by the Public Service Commission.
In late April, Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation d/b/a National Grid requested that the commission approve a proposed increase in its electric and gas delivery service rates, the cost to transport the electricity or gas to customers throughout the utility’s system, to be effective beginning in April of 2018 through March of 2019.
According to the filing, the company’s proposal would enable it to continue to provide safe and reliable electric and gas service, as well as provide enhanced low-income customer programs, modernize the electric distribution system and create programs providing customers with the opportunity to better manage their energy consumption.
On July 10, National Grid filed amendments to its initial rate filing, reducing the requested revenue increases for both electric and gas.
These new rates would increase annual electric delivery revenues by approximately $261 million, and delivery revenue would increase by about $70 million.
For average customers, this would mean an estimated $8.93 increase in their monthly electric bill, an 11 percent total bill increase, and an estimated $8.70 increase in their monthly gas bill, a 12.5 percent total bill increase. When originally filed, these numbers were $11.23 and $10.38, respectively.
At the end of the presentation Tuesday night, DiAcetis said that National Grid’s goal is to “strike a balance” between safety, reliability and affordability.
Afterward, following a short question-and-answer session, seven people spoke during the public comment portion of the event.
The majority of these speakers were area customers declaring that they were opposed to the rate increase, like Kurt Kirtoglou of Speigletown. “As far as I’m concerned, I’m totally against it,” said the 50-year customer, who brought his latest bill with him. “It’s gotten out of hand, totally out of hand.”
Geneva Conway of Menands, another longtime customer, spoke on behalf of herself and other AARP members. Conway called the rate hike excessive, unreasonable and an undue burden on residents, many who live on fixed incomes.
“Customers need a break, not another increase in their utility bill,” she said.
JanZaitor Mayberry of Albany voiced her personal opinion against the rate hike, citing several past problems with National Grid’s billing and customer service procedures in her 10 years as a consumer. Now, she said, her bills are finally consistent and she doesn’t want to see that change.
One commenter, Michael Myer, said although he would not be directly affected by the proposed change he worried about those who would be, asking those at the front of the room to re-evaluate and consider reducing the fees.
No one at the Troy meeting spoke in favor of the proposed new rates.
Commissioner Diane Burman of the New York State Public Service Commission, which will ultimately make the decision, was present at both of Tuesday’s Capital Region hearings to listen to the public comments.
Others who wish to provide comments of the proposed rate increase can do so online at the New York State Department of Public Service website www.dps. ny.gov or by calling 1-800335-2120. They can also be submitted by emailing sectratary@dps.ny.gov or by sending mail to Secretary Burgess at the Department of Public Service, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12223-1350. Comments delivered in these manners should reference National Grid Rate Case (17-E-0238 and 17-G-0239).
The Public Service Commission is typically required to render a decision on a rate case within 11 months after filing. Currently about three months into the process, a decision is expected in early 2018.