In the interests of energy consumers throughout upstate New York, the Public Service Commission should reject National Grid’s recent proposal to enter the energy-efficiency business. Without question, we need to significantly increase our investment in energy efficiency here in our state and throughout the nation. However, I believe our state needs to implement programs that are proven and do not unnecessarily burden energy consumers.

New York state is fortunate to have the most cost-effective energy-efficiency programs in the nation, which are administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

For a decade, NYSERDA’s award-winning programs have delivered tremendous benefits to consumers without the financial “incentives” monopoly utilities like National Grid require from ratepayers. Incentives will needlessly raise consumer rates and enrich the profit margins of utilities.