ALBANY, N.Y. – National Grid utility rate increases approved by the state Public Service Commission are not sitting well with one member of the state Assembly who announced Friday the introduction of legislation that would enable the state Legislature to review and potentially overturn the price hikes.
Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara says the Utility Rate Hike Legislative Review Act comes in direct response to the National Grid increases for electricity and natural gas, saying they will cost upstate customers about $600 a year.
The bill would provide legislative oversight by requiring a 60-day state Legislature review window for PSC-approved increases before they are implemented, and give the state Legislature the power to rescind or reduce increases. It would enable the review of approved hikes going back 12 months, and require the PSC to notify the governor, legislators and the public within 24 hours of approving any additional rate costs.
The Democratic asasemblyman said he’s heard from families in his Schenectady County district who were surprised by news of the increases.
“Utility costs are already a significant burden for New Yorkers,” Santabarbara said. “This bill makes sure that when major decisions like this are made, elected representatives have the chance to step in on behalf of the people they serve — even if the PSC has already approved it.”
The PSC is responsible for regulating New York state’s electric, gas, steam, telecommunications and water utilities, and overseeing the cable industry. It consists of up to seven members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate for six-year terms.
The three-year rate plan approved for National Grid increases electric and gas prices for customers in upstate New York.
According to the company, residential electricity customers that use an average of 625 kilowatt-hours per month would see an estimated monthly bill increase of $14.32 the first year, $6.44 in the second year and $4.34 in year three.
Residential natural gas customers that use an average of 78 therms per month would see an estimated total monthly bill increase of $7.66 in the first year, $8.08 in the second year and $9.18 in year three, the company said.
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