Governor Cuomo and National Grid Announce Agreement to Lift Moratorium Immediately

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced an agreement with National Grid to immediately lift the current moratorium on gas service in Long Island, Queens and Brooklyn. National Grid has identified short-term supply mechanisms that will conservatively meet demand for approximately the next two years, allowing it to restore service to any customers that it had refused and grant all pending applications. National Grid will present a long-term options analysis within three months, subject to a public review process. The long-term options will be in place and functioning in Fall 2021.

To compensate customers who were adversely impacted by the moratorium, National Grid will pay a $36 million penalty. The penalty will also support new energy conservation measures and clean energy projects as directed by the Director of the New York State Division of the Budget in consultation with the Public Service Commission.

"This agreement is a victory for customers,"Governor Cuomo said."National Grid will pay a significant penalty for its failure to address the supply issue, its abuse of its customers, and the adverse economic impact they have caused. The Company is also working to address the long-term supply problem and will present options in the coming months to the people of Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island, letting them choose the best way forward for their communities. Today it was made clear that we will not allow any business - big or small - to extort New Yorkers in order to advance its own interests. I also want to thank Attorney General Tish James, Senator Parker and Assembly Member Cusick for their help in resolving this matter."