National Grid has submitted a proposal in a filing with the New York State Public Service Commission to support a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy system to enhance reliability and advance New York’s clean energy goals.
The filing, which proposes to reset electricity and natural gas delivery prices starting spring 2025, will focus on maintaining critical infrastructure, improving customer service, providing additional assistance to vulnerable customers, promoting economic growth, and preparing electricity and gas networks for the energy transition dependent on clean energy sources.
The company’s plan includes targeted investments and programs to reduce emissions, strengthen the safe delivery of energy, connect renewable energy projects to the company’s networks, and increase energy efficiency offerings and other programs to help customers reduce their energy usage.
It will also improve the overall customer experience by increasing the number of consumer advocates to assist vulnerable customers, including in disadvantaged communities, eliminating credit card fees for residential bill payments and adopting new technologies to provide more self-service options for customers.
The company’s efficiency initiatives and low commodity costs have contributed to an extended period of energy price stability. Adjusted for inflation, total bills are lower as compared to 16 years ago.
The one-year proposal is expected to result in a total monthly bill increase of about $19, or 15 percent for a residential electricity customer using 625 kWh. Total gas bill increase for residential gas customers will be about $18, or 20 percent a month, based on 78 therms used.
The filing includes a one-year proposal with cost data for three additional years to enable discussions on a multi-year settlement. For instance, reaching a settlement covering cost increases over four years is anticipated to reduce the first-year delivery price impacts by more than half.
Additional customer benefits in the proposal include:
· Investment of approximately $1.7 billion in the electricity grid and $338 million in gas networks across upstate New York, which includes investments to increase the company’s ability to connect renewable, distributed generation.
· Investments in the natural gas system to mitigate regional capacity constraints, make required infrastructure replacements, and improve the safety and reliability of the distribution network. This includes the retirement of 128 miles of leak-prone pipe over four years.
· Increased customer assistance and energy affordability programs for those having difficulty managing their energy costs.
· Continued deployment of economic development and energy efficiency programs to help grow the upstate economy.
· Adding more than 800 jobs over the next four years to support electric and gas operations, grid modernization and customer programs. These will include local employees who live and work in the communities serving and supporting the regional economy.
The plan will prepare the electric system for the company’s Upstate Upgrade initiative, which is essential for the continued reliable operation and resiliency of the energy infrastructure and further enables the connection of locally generated clean energy across Upstate New York. The proposal will undergo a thorough review process by the New York Department of Public Service to ensure the company invests, operates and maintains its energy delivery system in a cautious manner.
