We can't afford either of them!
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** Speak out against National Grid's rate case proposals. Join us to say NO to raised rates and climate destruction because we can't afford either!
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National Grid, aka Niagara Mohawk, has launched a rate case ([link removed]) . A rate case is how a corporate utility goes about asking the Public Service Commission for (and usually receiving) increases in gas and electric rates. Recently, however, environmental and grassroots groups and individual intervenors have begun getting more involved in the process, testifying at Public Hearings, and securing some wins for utility customers and the environment. Rate cases come around every three years. This upstate National Grid rate case, which was announced in July, will be the first major utility rate case to start with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) as NYS law. This will be an interesting and IMPORTANT case!
In this rate case, National Grid is proposing increases in gas and electric rates and is proposing fossil fuel infrastructure projects. At a time when many in our communities are already struggling to pay for their rent, food, and utilities and when thousands in our area have lost their jobs due to COVID, the last thing we need is an increase in gas and electric rates. And as the West Coast burns, storms destroy Midwestern communities, and hurricanes augmented by the climate emergency pummel the coastal states, the last thing we need is for National Grid to spend more of our ratepayer dollars on fossil fuel infrastructure. But that’s what National Grid is proposing in order to continue to pay their executives millions of dollars each year and give their shareholders billions in profits.
Alliance for a Green Economy and other organizations located in the utility's Upstate NY territory ([link removed]) have joined the rate case to fight for lower rates, energy efficiency, and renewable energy options instead of fossil fuel infrastructure.
We need you to participate: National Grid and decision-makers at the Public Service Commission (PSC) must be made aware of the great number of utility customers (we, the people) following the case and what our concerns are. Public Hearings are an important place for us to speak out. We’ve created a Facebook link to share ([link removed]) , and a sign-up form via Citizen Action ([link removed]) so that we can communicate with everyone who is interested.
We will help you prepare: We have compiled a talking points document ([link removed]) to help you put together a simple, up to 3-minute testimony for one of the Public Hearings or construct a more comprehensive comment from your organization.
We are offering several online training sessions:
* The first training to help folks understand the background for this rate case and prepare a short public statement is an online event tonight, Sept 24, at 7pm ([link removed]) with Ujima & PUSH Buffalo. This training will be repeated on October 5 ([link removed]) .
* On September 29 there will be a 5:30pm training ([link removed]) with Citizen Action of New York - Capital District Chapter.
When are the online Public Hearings? Next week, starting September 30, the Public Service Commission will begin hosting Virtual Public Statement Hearings to hear public comments about the National Grid Upstate (Niagara Mohawk) rate case proposals. The Facebook event Public Hearings: National Grid rate case ([link removed]) contains links for trainings and signing up to speak.
Although AGREE and allies are promoting the first hearing (Sept 30 at 1pm: registration deadline Sept 28) and the last hearing (Oct 7 at 6pm: registration deadline Oct 5), there are 8 times to choose from to make your virtual public statement ([link removed]) : 4 dates with 2 times on each date. Pick the one most convenient for you, and register with the PSC ([link removed]) to speak.
This is an extremely important rate case as it is the first major one to be initiated with the CLCPA in place. We are excited to be doing this work and hope that many of you will speak out about the issues important to you.
Sign up to get more details & updates ([link removed]) (Citizen Action kindly set this form up for us), register to make a statement at a hearing ([link removed]) , contact us with questions, and - as always - share, share, share! The PSC, Governor Cuomo, and National Grid need to know that customers - we, the people - are paying close attention!
Thank you!
Please reach out if you have questions.
Andra
Communications & Outreach Director
Alliance for a Green Economy
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Alliance for a Green Economy is a grassroots operation, working on a shoestring budget to pull off ambitious work. Every dollar we receive is used for public education, coalition building, and advocacy toward a 100% renewable energy system in New York State.
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