Decision by NYS Public Service Commission Poses Threat to Climate Progress

ALBANY, NY – Today the New York State Public Service Commission approved a settlement agreement for National Grid’s request to increase methane gas delivery rates across their downstate territories. The approved settlement puts in place a three-year rate plan allowing for approximately $5 billion of capital investments in their methane gas system, which includes authorization to proactively replace 351 miles of functioning gas distribution pipes.

The following is reaction from Chris Casey, New York Utility Regulatory Director for the Climate & Energy Program at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):

“It is deeply disappointing that the Commission approved the settlement in the downstate National Grid rate case, which enables excessive investments in outdated methane gas infrastructure, paid for by their customers. This decision undermines New York's climate goals and risks prolonging our reliance on polluting fossil fuels – which increases costs for consumers and delays the transition to clean energy. At a time when we should be reducing our dependence on gas and prioritizing equity and sustainability, this approval moves us in the wrong direction.”

The Natural Resources Defense Council submitted a statement in opposition to the joint settlement proposal in April 2024, which can be read here.

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NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law, and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health, and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd). Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.