Assemblyman William Colton (D – Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, and Dyker Heights) asks NYS Public Service Commissioner to issue a Cease-and-Desist order to National Grid following its refusal to provide gas service in Brooklyn.

“A large number of constituents in my district came to my office claiming that the National Grid is refusing to open new accounts or restore services for returning customers. National Grid has put all new applications on hold and is holding residential and business customers hostages. They are claiming that due to the NYS DEC’s denial of a water quality permit for the Northeast Supply Enhancement project there is not enough gas supply for the new customers. I have not heard of any independent projection of gas usage for the next 10 years which would justify their action. It is absolutely outrageous that our community has to suffer through this disgraceful demonstration of corporate greed by a company that is entrusted with supplying an essential service. National Grid is violating public trust by refusing to provide gas service which is a necessity for people and must be fully investigated to determine whether there is any justification to their demand for an additional pipeline and a steep increase in gas pricing,” Colton stated.

“The Cease-and-Desist order must be issued to National Grid to stop it from arbitrarily denying new service orders until there is a public hearing to determine whether there is sufficient gas supply or a deficit that would justify not opening new accounts. Their actions are irresponsible and are an affront to the elected Governor in making public interest decisions and their actions are causing irreparable harms to many individuals, businesses and organizations who have expended monies in the reasonable expectation of gas service from National Grid. I will continue to fight to support our community against irresponsible corporate greed,” Colton added.