Proposed Con Ed Settlement Advances Clean Electric System, but Hinders Transition of Gas System

NEW YORK, NY – The New York Department of Public Service filed a Joint Proposal this week for resolving the electric and gas utility rate proceedings of Con Edison, which serves New York City and Westchester County. NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) supports the provisions of the Joint Proposal related to electric service but opposes the provisions related to gas service.

The following is a statement from Christopher Casey, senior attorney for NRDC’s Climate & Clean Energy Program:

“The Joint Proposal is a mixed bag for Con Edison’s customers and for the clean energy transition that impacts all New Yorkers. It includes important programs and investments that, if approved, will increase the expansion of energy efficiency and clean distributed energy resources, deliver benefits to disadvantaged communities and low-income customers, and reduce barriers to electrification of building heating and hot water. These investments represent necessary, no-regrets actions that support and will further the objectives of the state’s climate law.

“The Joint Proposal related to gas service unfortunately includes unnecessary, exorbitant new investments to fortify and replace hundreds of miles of functioning gas distribution pipes, despite the Climate Action Council’s clear call for a well-planned and strategic downsizing of the utility gas system to meet the state’s climate targets. The PSC needs to recognize this as a missed opportunity to reduce reliance on fossil gas since the proposal would further entrench gas infrastructure at a time when the state should be focusing resources on clean energy and building electrification.

“The inclusion of enormous new investments to fortify gas infrastructure in the Joint Proposal also illustrates the urgent need to bring Public Service law in-line with the state’s climate law. The gas service provisions provide a clear example of how New York’s clean energy transition is threatened by state laws that promote and subsidize fossil gas use, and why the New York Home Energy Affordable Transition (NY HEAT) Act is necessary to avoid wasting billions on new fossil gas infrastructure.”

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.