A newly approved rate plan for National Grid customers is drawing sharp criticism from Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan, who says the decision will hammer upstate families, businesses, and energy reliability.
Gallahan, a Republican representing the 131st Assembly District, called the Public Service Commission’s approval of the three-year rate plan “outrageous,” accusing the state of turning its back on New Yorkers struggling with already high utility costs.
“I’ve heard from families, seniors, and business owners who are barely getting by — and now this,” Gallahan said in a statement. “This rate hike could push people to the brink.”
The rate plan, approved unanimously by the PSC on Aug. 14, allows National Grid to raise electric and gas rates across its upstate New York service area, which includes 2.4 million customers. According to National Grid, the increase will support grid reliability, storm response, clean energy goals, and affordability programs for low-income households.
In the first year, average residential electricity bills are expected to go up by $14.32 per month. Gas customers could see increases of $7.66 per month. The second and third years of the plan bring smaller increases.
National Grid says the plan includes over $290 million in bill discounts for income-eligible customers, as well as hundreds of new jobs and targeted investments in storm resiliency and clean energy.
But Gallahan isn’t buying it.
He blames the increases on what he calls Governor Hochul’s “Green New Scam” — a reference to the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and its aggressive climate targets.
“These mandates are killing jobs, raising costs, and weakening our grid,” Gallahan said. “Albany bureaucrats care more about political goals than affordable, reliable energy.”
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