AARP NY Calls on PSC to Reject National Grid Petition

CASE 26-G-0384 – Petition of The Brooklyn Union Gas Company d/b/a National Grid NY and KeySpan Gas East Corporation d/b/a National Grid for Authorization to Permit their Existing Base Tariff Rates to Remain in Effect During the Year Ending March 31, 2028 and Other Related Relief.

ALBANY, NY - AARP New York is urging the New York State Public Service Commission to reject a National Grid petition seeking approval for nearly $2 billion in future spending and related policy changes without the transparency and full public participation associated with a major utility rate case.

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On May 29, 2026, National Grid filed a petition asking the Commission to extend its existing base rates through March 31, 2028, for its gas customers on Long Island and Brooklyn. National Grid states the proposal is a one-year rate freeze intended to provide customers with stability. However, the petition would also authorize approximately $1.7 billion in new infrastructure projects, $248 million in new regulatory liabilities, and reduce existing safety targets for replacing leak-prone gas pipes and fixing actual leaks.

"National Grid's petition is a lot like taking out a credit card in ratepayers' names, charging nearly $2 billion to it, and then telling customers not to worry because the first bill won't come due for another year," said Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director. "That's simply not fair to ratepayers. Nor does it give the kind of rate stability New Yorkers need.”

"A utility doesn't need permission to keep rates unchanged. If National Grid wanted to freeze rates, it could simply do so,” Finkel added. “The reason it's filing this petition is because it's seeking approval for infrastructure projects costing billions in future spending. Before regulators sign off on commitments of that magnitude, ratepayers deserve the same transparency, accountability, and public participation that come with a full rate case. New Yorkers deserve nothing less."

Because National Grid's proposal could affect customer bills, public safety programs, and utility spending for years to come, AARP New York believes it should receive the same level of scrutiny as a major rate case under New York State law. A full rate case would require National Grid to justify its proposal through sworn testimony, independent review, and meaningful public participation, ensuring transparency and accountability before the Public Service Commission makes a decision.

Ratepayers are already facing rate increases resulting from National Grid’s Long-Term Gas System Plan proceeding, which was conducted in the same manner that the company wants this petition to be considered. According to National Grid, the costs of the Williams Companies’ gas pipeline project are forecasted to increase the average residential bill by $7.61 and $7.44 per month for KEDNY and KEDLI, respectively, which equates to a 3.5% increase per month for each company. This level of increase is greater than the threshold that requires the due process protections that exist in rate case proceedings.

The latest report filed by National Grid to the New York State Public Service Commission covering its gas service in Long Island and Brooklyn shows existing affordability problems. National Grid's own filings with the Public Service Commission highlight existing affordability challenges. In August, more than 162,000 Brooklyn households were at least 60 days behind on their gas bills, owing nearly $216 million, while the company issued 32,395 final termination notices and disconnected service to 2,454 households for nonpayment.