Niagara County Legislature calls on Gov. Hochul to kill National Grid rate hike

Submitted by the Public Information Officer

The Niagara County Legislature passed a resolution at their meeting Tuesday night opposed to National Grid’s efforts to increase electric rates on its customers. The legislature called on Gov. Kathy Hochul to reject National Grid’s plans, and filed comments opposed to the rate hike with the New York State Department of Public Service.

Legislator Chris McKimmie, the resolution’s main sponsor, said, “I was happy to see Gov. Hochul publicly oppose the rate increase the New York Power Authority proposed. The governor said that too many New Yorkers are already falling behind on their energy bills, and she will do everything in my power to reign in these astronomical costs. The governor must now do the same with National Grid.”

McKimmie said the Department of Public Service’s website shows that the proposed increase in total monthly bill increases for the average residential National Grid customer of approximately $18.92 (15%) for electric and $18.34 for gas (20%.)

“These rate increases are outrageous,” McKimmie said. “New York state simply cannot allow National Grid to place an even heavier burden on working families.”

McKimmie also pointed out that one of National Grid’s justifications for the huge increase is advancing the goals of New York state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

“It is time for the governor and the New York State Legislature to recognize that New York is nowhere near ready to electrify at the level the governor expects,” McKimmie said. “So, these rate hikes are being justified as necessary to meet these climate mandates. Governor, beyond pointing the finger at utilities and telling them ‘No,’ you must look at yourself in the mirror and realize your policies are part of the problem.”

McKimmie added, “I think the public is really beginning to understand what bad public policy the Hochul climate plan really is. No more gas hookups in homes. Electric school buses when the infrastructure does not exist. Electric snowplows that will never survive a WNY winter. Banning gas stoves. It’s not feasible.”

McKimmie said the Department of Public Service is accepting comments on the rate hike until Feb. 28. He encouraged residents to make their voices heard at https://dps.ny.gov/event/national-grid-comments-due-regarding-national-grids-rate-proposal.