Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - National Grid is planning an extensive upgrade to its electric transmission system and it will likely mean higher energy bills for customers.
National Grid has filed a request with the New York State Public Service
Commission for a 15% electric rate hike, which would mean an additional $19 a month for the average residential customer.
"We're looking to make investments to maintain our critical infrastructure and to improve our resiliency," said David Bertola, a spokesman for National Grid.
The increase will partly support the state's clean energy goals.
"The state has a goal to have 70% of all electricity be clean energy by 2030, so we're looking to make sure we're prepared. We don't want to be the bottleneck that holds up that process," explained Bertola on WBEN Thursday.
The proposed increase is far and above any previous hike the utility has requested in recent memory.
National Grid last raised rates in 2021.
"It's early in the process," Bertola noted. The proposal is for one year, but the
PSC could spread it out over several years. It's expected to be an 11 month process.
If approved, the new rates would go into effect in the spring of 2025.