Corporate Utilities
In addition to our grassroots community organizing efforts, we bring expertise and specialized skills to intervene in utility rate case proceedings. We analyze and challenge proposals from corporate utilities, which typically aim to raise rates by constructing and expanding fracked gas infrastructure. New York State utility regulators, the Public Service Commission, consist of a seven-member body appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the state senate. This commission convenes proceedings where we can intervene as a party. Sane Energy is a leading grassroots organization in New York State, connecting rate cases to the continued, costly, and harmful development of fossil fuel infrastructure.
Sane Energy Project’s Participation in Rate Cases
Please enjoy a 2-minute video that de-mystifies the complex process whereby utilities gain approval for fossil fuel expansion in New York State.
Sane Energy Participation in Non-Rate-Case Proceedings at the NYS Public Service Commission
Sane Energy Project also intervenes in non-rate-case proceedings at the Public Service Commission, addressing issues such as Energy Efficiency, Thermal Energy Networks, and other utility-related matters.
One example is the 2019 proceeding investigating National Grid's denial of gas service to customers in an alleged attempt to gain support for the (now defeated) Williams NESE pipeline. Sane Energy Project mobilized community involvement in this proceeding to call the company’s bluff on needing more gas, encourage people to submit comments, speak at public hearings, challenge National Grid's service denials, and advocate for less expensive energy efficiency and heat pumps as renewable heating alternatives as opposed to gas expansions such as LNG barges and trucks, and the currently challenged “Iroquois” EXC pipeline proposal.
