A U.S. Court of Appeals has upheld the creation of a new capacity zone implemented last year. Two New York Congressman who have been fighting against the zone are voicing disappointment.
Congressmen Chris Gibson and Sean Patrick Maloney say they will work to lower energy prices in the Hudson Valley and fight against FERC bureaucrats. FERC or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the capacity zone that was implemented May 1 last year. The result has been higher electric bills for Mid-Hudson Valley customers. The court said FERC adequately justified its decision to authorize the New York Independent System Operator to create the zone. Central Hudson Gas & Electric and the New York State Public Service Commission were among those who petitioned the approval. Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro also railed against the court decision. He says allowing this plan to go forward sets a dangerous and undemocratic precedent for how local energy policies are decided.
