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Governor Kathy Hochul has voiced her opposition to National Grid's proposed rate hike for Upstate New York customers. The plan, currently under review by the state Public Service Commission (PSC), would increase electric rates by 20% and natural gas rates by 27% over three years. Hochul criticized the proposal, stating, "If it’s a 20% increase, it’s not OK with me," during a meeting with the editorial board of syracuse.com.
The proposed deal, negotiated between National Grid and state regulators, would result in the average household paying approximately $600 more annually for electric and gas services once the increases are fully implemented. Hochul urged National Grid to find ways to cut costs and diversify to avoid burdening ratepayers with these increases.
The PSC is accepting public comments on the proposal through June 25 and is expected to issue a final ruling this summer. Despite her opposition, Hochul's influence over the PSC is limited, as she appoints commissioners to six-year terms but cannot directly stop a rate hike.
National Grid's plan includes a commitment to increase funding for bill discounts for low-income customers, aiming to enroll over 6,000 new households annually in its Energy Affordability Program. However, critics argue that the rate increases will still disproportionately affect low- and moderate-income households.
The proposal comes amid broader concerns about rising utility costs in New York. Hochul has previously criticized other utilities, such as Con Edison, for similar rate hike proposals, emphasizing the need for affordable energy solutions. The governor has also expressed support for expanding nuclear power and other energy sources to lower costs.