Assemblymember Barrett Urges Postponement of Energy Capacity Zone Expansion
Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Hudson) announced she has written a letter to Cheryl Lefleur, the Acting Commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, urging the commission to indefinitely postpone any potential capacity zone expansion in New York.
Beginning on May 1, 2014, the Mid-Hudson Valley will be grouped with New York City and Westchester County in a new capacity zone. According to the Public Service Commission (PSC), the new zone will result in a potential $230 million increase in annual electrical bills for residential, commercial and industrial customers.1 Central Hudson recently announced that as a result of the new zones they will need to increase costs by 8 to 15 percent.2 The PSC has also concluded that while a new capacity zone is not necessary, FERC should, at a minimum, phase-in the plan to ensure price stability.3
“Our families and businesses simply cannot afford to have this plan implemented this May,” said Assemblymember Barrett. “The State and local community groups are working together to address the energy congestion problem making this capacity zone expansion unnecessary.”
In addition to expressing her opposition to the proposed capacity zone, Assemblymember Barrett continues to fight against plans to build high voltage transmission lines through Columbia and Dutchess counties that threaten homes, farms, businesses and viewsheds in the beautiful Hudson Valley.