National Grid : Report Reaffirms Commitment to Clean, Affordable, Reliable Energy

Brooklyn and Hicksville, NY -- After extensive outreach to customers, interest groups and stakeholders, National Grid today issued its third Supplemental Downstate New York Long-Term Capacity report, which reflects the feedback received on the company's plan to best meet the energy needs of its 1.9 million customers while transitioning to a net zero carbon future.

Based on feedback provided by the various groups, the priorities of clean, affordable and reliable energy were strongly emphasized, and the Distributed Infrastructure Solution, identified and implemented by National Grid in 2020, is the best available option to meet customers' current energy needs, enabling a safe and reliable transition to a cleaner energy future. The Distributed Infrastructure Solution includes targeted infrastructure solutions coupled with demand side programs to help customers reduce gas usage and requires ramping up incremental demand side management programs, which in partnership with customers will help reduce reliance on natural gas in the region.

'The Distributed Infrastructure Solution strikes the critical balance our customers need and deserve, and it will ensure that we will leave no customer behind as we transition to a cleaner energy future,' said Stephen Caldwell, Vice President, Future of Heat, National Grid. 'What remains clear is that compared to other options the Distributed Infrastructure Solution best reflects what our customers want in terms of affordability and energy reliability, and most importantly it aligns with our own clean energy goals and the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).'

Planning for the Future: More Expanded Energy Efficiency Programs

While progress on the Distributed Infrastructure Solution is underway to address the current demand-supply gaps, more work needs to be done. Shortly, National Grid will file a proposal with the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) for new incremental demand side programs with enhanced energy efficiency and demand response initiatives and non-pipes solutions, looking to engage all customers to participate in helping reduce demand for natural gas.

'Incremental energy efficiency, demand response and eventually heat electrification programs are the core of our Distributed Infrastructure Solution,' adds Caldwell. 'These programs we're proposing, once they're up and running, will help keep gas demand flat starting in the mid-2020s. We're committed to keeping an open dialogue with our customers and stakeholders and want to ensure they have a seat at the table as we make important decisions together about our gas business and our customers' energy needs as we move towards fully realizing the clean energy transition for all.'

A Commitment to Transparency

The Distributed Infrastructure Solution is consistent with the State's and the City's clean energy initiatives and efforts to focus on energy efficiency and heat electrification. As part of the State's ongoing proceeding to improve transparency of natural gas planning it is expected that gas utilities will undergo an independent expert review of capacity needs and option evaluations.

As such, PA Consulting Group is working at the direction of the DPS to conduct an independent review of the company's latest energy demand and capacity forecast, Distributed Infrastructure Solution and potential alternatives. PA Consulting Group specializes in strategy, technology and innovation to unlock new potential in energy and utility markets. The PA Consulting independent assessment report is expected in early September.

National Grid launched a comprehensive outreach plan, building on previous efforts to garner feedback from customers, interest groups and stakeholders - conducting stakeholder briefings and a virtual public meeting, providing a dedicated website, delivering printed copies to libraries in downstate New York, emailing customers, and using social and traditional media channels. Details of the third supplemental report, previous reports and other associated materials are available and can be downloaded at ngridsolutions.com.