National Grid has filed a request for a 16% increase in gas use by Long Islanders with the New York Public Service Commission.

“At a time when middle class families on Long Island are having to deal with the financial pressure brought on by inflation, including higher food prices and fuel costs, they should not be hit with a 16% increase in their National Grid bill,” said Curran.

National Grid has pointed to increased operating costs incurred to comply with governmental green energy requirements as a substantial factor for its request for an increase.

“Everyone wants a cleaner and greener environment and economy, but I have continuously warned that in the government's desire to reach a fossil fuel-free economy, it has set unrealistic goals within unreasonable timelines. By doing so, the pressure on businesses to comply with these green requirements ultimately pushes the cost of implementation on the customer, which is exactly what we have here. The cost of achieving a fossil fuel-free environment should not be the bankrupting of middle-class families,” Curran continued.

The New York Public Service Commission will now conduct public hearings prior to making a decision on the rate increase request.