National Grid is committed to helping its customers save money on their energy costs and reduce their energy use. Our recently proposed energy-efficiency programs will contribute to New York state's overall goal of reducing energy consumption 15 percent by the year 2015. In the face of rising energy prices, energy efficiency takes on an even more meaningful role for our low-income customers.

To achieve lower energy bills for our customers and reduced environmental impact we took action earlier this year by filing a proposal for an expanded portfolio of energy-efficiency programs. The proposal is also consistent with the New York State Public Service Commission's objective of expanding energy efficiency.

As energy costs rise, customers may undertake some energy-efficiency efforts on their own; however, we find that they are increasingly turning to their utility to find solutions. At National Grid, we believe we have a special relationship with our customers which allows us a unique opportunity to utilize the power of action and work with them directly to help reduce their energy use. These programs have the potential to help all of our customers and complement existing programs currently in place through the New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Included in these proposed programs are specifically targeted initiatives for low-income customers who are especially burdened by rising energy costs.

To implement these new programs, we have proposed they be funded through the Systems Benefits Charges on our monthly customer bills. We believe this short-term investment will have long-term benefits, including reduced demand and increased efficiency that will outweigh the costs while providing long-term benefits to individual customers and the environment as a whole. In fact, the estimated costs of approximately $220 million for this program are expected to reap lifetime benefits of $350 million in energy savings.

National Grid has a 20-year track record of running successful, award-winning energy-efficiency programs in New England and this proposal leverages that experience for the benefit of its upstate New York customers.

Awareness of climate change and the need for action is gaining momentum with governments, businesses and individuals. National Grid is taking action by bringing the interests of our customers, the company, and critical public policy together to improve efficiency, manage energy costs and address climate change.

Susan M. Crossett

Syracuse

The writer is the National Grid vice president for Energy Solutions in Upstate New York.