National Grid file proposal to increase reliability and meet New York’s clean energy goals

National Grid has submitted an application to the New York State Public Utilities Commission to support a smarter, stronger and cleaner energy system to increase reliability and meet New York’s clean energy goals.

The submission, which proposes a reset of electricity and natural gas supply prices from 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 a transformation-driven energy on clean energy sources.

The company’s plan includes targeted investments and programs to reduce emissions, strengthen secure energy supplies, connect renewable energy projects to the company’s grid, and increase energy efficiency offerings and other programs to help customers reduce their energy consumption.

It will also improve the overall customer experience by increasing the number of consumer advocates to help vulnerable customers, including those in disadvantaged communities, by eliminating credit card fees for residential bills, and adopting new technologies to provide more self-service options.

The company’s efficiency initiatives and low raw material costs have helped extend the period of energy price stability. After adjusting for inflation, total bills are lower 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. The total increase in residential gas bills will be approximately $18, or 20 percent, per month, based on 78 terms used.

The submission includes an annual proposal with three additional years of cost data to enable discussion on multi-annual settlement. For example, reaching an agreement covering cost increases over four years is expected to reduce the first-year supply price impact by more than half.

Additional benefits for the client included in the proposal include:

· An investment of approximately $1.7 billion in the electric grid and $338 million in the gas grid in upstate New York, which includes investments to expand the company’s ability to connect distributed generation to renewable energy sources.

· Investments in the natural gas system to alleviate regional capacity constraints, make necessary infrastructure replacements, and improve the safety and reliability of the distribution network. This includes decommissioning 200km of leak-prone pipes over four years.

· Increased customer assistance and energy affordability programs for people struggling to manage energy costs.

· Continue to implement 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, network modernization and customer programs. They will include local workers who live and work in communities that serve and support the regional economy.

The plan will prepare the electric system for the Upstate Upgrade initiative, which is essential to the continued reliable operation and resiliency of energy infrastructure, and enables the connection of locally produced clean energy throughout Upstate New York. The proposal will be subject to a thorough review by the New York State Department of Public Utilities to ensure that the company invests, operates and maintains its energy delivery system prudently.