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Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara is calling for an investigation into National Grid's billing practices in upstate New York. He has urged State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli to examine the rising delivery charges that many constituents are facing, despite efforts to reduce energy consumption. Santabarbara argues that these unexplained increases raise "serious red flags" about how charges are calculated and who benefits from them.
According to Santabarbara, customers are paying more in delivery charges even when using the same or less energy. He emphasized that utilities operate as regulated monopolies, leaving customers with no alternatives. "Heating your home in upstate New York isn’t optional," he stated, highlighting the necessity of transparent billing practices.
National Grid has defended the increases, stating that about 62% of electric bills are from delivery costs, with higher charges attributed to supply costs and fees not directly benefiting the company. The company’s rates increased in September and will remain unchanged for three years, as approved by the Public Service Commission.
Bloomingdale resident Melissa Mitchell shared her experience, noting her electricity bill rose significantly despite reduced usage. She is one of many who reached out to Santabarbara about the issue. Santabarbara is advocating for legislation to approve or reverse rate hikes and has launched a petition on his website opposing the increases.
Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed a plan to hold energy companies accountable and install safeguards for ratepayers. Santabarbara welcomed Hochul’s acknowledgment of the issue but stressed that more reforms are needed to address the rising charges. The Comptroller’s Office is currently reviewing Santabarbara’s request for an investigation.