New Rate Plan Boosts Clean Energy in New York State

(NEW YORK, NY – January 25, 2017) The New York Public Service Commission approved new Con Edison prices for gas and electric service through 2020. The decision comes four months after 22 parties, including the Department of Public Service, Con Edison, Environmental Defense Fund, and other environmental advocacy groups, filed a joint proposal to settle a rate case brought by Con Edison, New York’s largest electric utility, early in 2016.

“New York is taking a major step to break the chains holding utilities and customers back and is showing clear resolve in addressing barriers to spur progress and make Reforming the Energy Vision a reality. We are moving toward a system in which customers will have more control over their electricity use, and utilities will have more opportunities to embrace market-based mechanisms while creating environmental benefits aligned with the public good.”

• Rory Christian, Director, New York Clean Energy, Environmental Defense Fund

“Con Edison has shown it understands the importance of reducing methane emissions with the changes it is planning, offering a model for other utilities to follow. Gas leaks are a routine issue for natural gas utilities, where public safety must always be the priority. But leaky pipes also harm the climate. Methane, the main ingredient in natural gas, is a powerful pollutant over 80 times more damaging than carbon dioxide in the first 20 years.”

• N. Jonathan Peress, Director, Energy Market Policy, Environmental Defense Fund