RENSSELAER COUNTY EXECUTIVE STEVE MCLAUGHLIN SAYS PLANNED NATIONAL GRID HIKE SHOULD BE REVIEWED BY PSC AND STATE LEADERS
Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin said today he is calling on the New York State Public Service Commission to review the latest rate hikes by National Grid, saying the new increase is unfair and hurts families during fragile economic times.
Reports on the rate increase say the National Grid hike will be as much as 39 percent. The new increase follows a recent increase where rates, includes rates for delivery, were increased by utilities.
“The leadership in Albany should stand up for average New Yorkers already struggling to deal with higher gas and grocery prices and slow down any new rate hikes by utilities,” said McLaughlin.
“Our families and businesses are already being pounded by higher prices, supply chain issues, and a worsening economic climate. The new National Grid rate hike should be put on hold until the economic climate improves,” added McLaughlin.
“I am calling on the PSC and state leaders to review this price hike and to investigate utility costs overall. Why are costs to New York families so much higher than anywhere else in the country? Another rate increase will be another step in the wrong direction for utility costs and cause more residents and businesses to consider leaving our state,” added McLaughlin.
“State leaders should ask hard questions and take steps to slow down and reduce any rate hike being considered at this time. They should stand up for residents and businesses and the future of our state,” said McLaughlin.
The price hike will be particularly challenging for seniors and young families because the hike is planned to take place during the winter, McLaughlin noted.
“Having a rate hike take effect during winter would in many ways double the impact, because it happens when businesses slow down and seniors and families are even more reliant on power for heat and other uses,” said McLaughlin.