Paul Tonko Condemns National Grid Rate Increase

Press Release

Paul Tonko Condemns National Grid Rate Increase

Consumers are getting stuck with unnecessary costs for reliable energy delivery

Speaking out against National Gird's proposed rate increases, Paul Tonko dismissed the company's claims that the higher utility fees would lead to safer and more resourceful distribution.

"At a time when residents throughout Upstate New York are reeling from high fuel prices for their automobiles, they don't need further sticker shock from their utility bill," said Paul Tonko.

"We need to significantly increase our investment in energy efficiency here in our state and throughout the nation. However, I believe our state needs to implement programs that are proven and do not unnecessarily burden energy consumers. New York State already has the most cost-effective energy-efficiency programs in that nation, which is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

"Last fall, National Grid was penalized because it failed to meet critical service-reliability measures for three straight years. Customer service has also eroded due to significant reductions in workforce. These reductions have also impacted the response time of emergency personnel like the city of Troy firefighters this past February. Once again, National Grid is putting profits before consumers."

Paul Tonko is the former president and CEO of NYSERDA and former chairman of the Assembly Energy Committee.

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