BROOKLYN — Public documents show that nearly a million National Grid customers overpaid for natural gas service for two years, a consumer watchdog blog reported Thursday.
Documents filed with the state's Public Service Commission revealed that National Grid overbilled 980,000 ratepayers by a total of $34 million in 2010 and $34.9 million in 2011, according to New York Power and Light.
That adds up to about $2.90 a month, the blog reported.
The PSC uncovered the overcharging after investigating National Grid's unusually high earnings.
As a result, the PSC signed an agreement with National Grid to freeze the utility's delivery rates until 2015. The gas company will also increase funding for its low-income ratepayers from $7.4 million to $10.4 million.
"The joint proposal terms we are adopting today will foster continued rate stability and promote the affordability of rates, while providing the company with the resources and motivation it needs to maintain and enhance the safety and adequacy of its gas service," PSC Chairman Garry Brown said in a statement.
"National Grid NY customers will significantly benefit from today's decision."
