Fort Greene resident say utility bills are nearly $500
He says he is paying $100 more than he was last year - and more than $200 more than in 2020.
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In the last 27 years that Ken Schles has lived in his Fort Greene brownstone, his National Grid gas bill has never been this high. In January, he paid $498 for gas.
'It's just crazy,” said Schles. “It's getting unaffordable even for the middle class. I've done all the things I'm supposed to do. I've been cutting back on my use. I air-sealed my house. I got new windows, converted to induction stoves. I'm using less gas now than I was before."
He said that gas delivery charges, which are not under a resident's control, saw the biggest increase.
Schles is paying $100 more than he was last year - and more than $200 more than in 2020.
"I'm really worried about people who aren't like me,” said Schles. “Who don't have the resources to cut back on their gas use."
As Brooklyn residents like Ken see bill increases far greater than anticipated, climate groups are calling on the governor to pass the New York Heat Act – meant to drive prices down instead.
"It would also help every customer throughout the state because it would lead to less spending on these gas pipelines that are driving up everybody's heating bills," said John Raskin, president of the Spring Street Climate Fund.
Now, with an additional $9.61 increase beginning this April, the cry for help only gets louder.
“The New York Heat legislation is stuck in the state Assembly,” said Raskin. “The Assembly has not agreed to include it in the big state budget."
News 12 asked National Grid about the recent rate hike. The utility company says when temperatures drop, heating systems have to work harder - causing customers to use more energy in their homes. It also says it is taking action to control costs while maintaining service.
