Need for vaporizers questioned by consultant for NYS
It’s looking like Santa arrived early to community environmental activists and those who pay a National Grid bill every month. A report released by the independent consultant, PA Consulting, hired by NY State states they see no need for the two additional Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) vaporizers National Grid wanted to build at its Greenpoint facility. “Based upon PA’s review of the proposed Greenpoint Project per the considerations outlined in the Joint Proposal and application of the requisite criteria, the Project is not required to meet forecasted Design Day demand until the 2028-29 winter period which would be beyond the rate period in the current rate plan,” stated the report.
“Advocates point out that gas demand will decrease steadily over the next five years as greater efficiency and electrification policies are implemented in compliance with Local Law 97, the NYC 2024 ban on gas in new construction, and NYS’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act,” stated the October 31, 2022 press release from The Sane Energy Project.
PA Consulting’s report also mentioned the cost of building the vaporizers has risen from $65 million to nearly $70 million. This cost would be paid for by National Grid customers.
On review of the report The No NBK Pipeline Coalition stated, ““The consultant’s report makes it clear that the Public Service Commission must reject National Grid’s proposed rate hike for two new fracked gas vaporizers. The Department of Environmental Conservation must then follow and reject construction permits, permanently stopping this expensive, harmful project once and for all.”
The New York State Public Service Commission held virtual and in-person public statement hearings in late September to receive public comments concerning National Grids vaporizer proposal. Many in the community spoke against it.
“These vaporizers are harming this community. I’ve been here for 68 years and I’ve watched so many people occur medical conditions. There’s other ways you can make money without harming us,” said Elisha Fye, vice president of Cooper Park Resident Council at the public hearing held on September 21 at Cooper Park Houses.
The Greenline 