National Gird Community Forum April 14

Grid to answer questions, suggest programs April 14

John Howell
Posted 4/9/15

Given the colder than usual winter, home heating and electrical bills have been higher than usual this year. And bigger bills mean some people are having difficulty making payments.

That’s one …

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National Gird Community Forum April 14

Grid to answer questions, suggest programs April 14

Posted

Given the colder than usual winter, home heating and electrical bills have been higher than usual this year. And bigger bills mean some people are having difficulty making payments.

That’s one of several issues National Grid expects to address when it and the city co-host a community forum April 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Buttonwoods Community Center at the intersection of West Shore Road and Buttonwoods Avenue.

“It’s designed for customers to ask questions,” National Grid spokesman David Graves said Thursday. Invitations have been mailed and emailed to customers and about 100 people have registered to attend so far.

Graves said the utility set a “gas throughput” record on Feb. 15, breaking a record that had been set in 2004 for the consumption of natural gas. On Feb. 15 the gas throughput was 353,402 dekatherms as compared to 351,459 dekatherms on Jan. 15, 2004.

Five 2015 dates moved into the top 10 usage dates for the company, Graves said.

On April 14 Graves suggested customers bring their natural gas and electric bills with them. In instances where the bills have become exceptionally burdensome because of the harsh winter, Graves said the utility would work to create a “budget payment plan.”

He said what the utility will do is take the usage for a 12-month period and arrive at a monthly average that then becomes the monthly payment. The system, he said, is reviewed twice annually and adjustments are made if necessary.

“This spreads it out,” he said.

Graves said budget plans could be worked out with qualified customers, those who have not been shut off for the lack of payment or are in danger of being shut off.

But the event is also designed to help save on utility costs going forward.

Questions posed in the invitation include, “Has this brutal winter got you thinking about how you can save money and energy at home? Have a question about your electric or natural gas bill? Wonder what happens when the power goes out? Curious about what your local utility company is doing in your neighborhood?”

Graves said the event would be set up like a “trade show” with tables could speak with a National Grid representative or pick up information about various programs.

He said Tim Horan, President of National Grid in Rhode Island would address the event shortly after 6 p.m. As the city is co-host, Mayor Scott Avedisian is also expected to attend and make opening remarks. John Flynn, Senior Vice President of National Grid’s US Business Development. Is also slated to attend.

Graves said he expects people will come and go during the event. This is the second event of its kind National Grid was held. The first was in December in Woonsocket.

According to the invitation displays will address such topics as understanding your utility bill; energy efficiency programs and tips; how we respond to power outages; energy safety; Connect21 - our approach to creating the energy networks of the 21st century and improving the reliability and resiliency of our electricity and natural gas systems.

Those interested needn’t register to attend. Refreshments will be served.

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