South Shore, NY - August 21, 2015 - Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky authored a letter today to National Grid urging them to stop charging homeowners affected by superstorm Sandy for gas service line disconnection and reconnection, a necessary procedure for those elevating their homes.
“This outrageous charge of $700 dollars or more for both disconnect and reconnect is simply unnecessary,” said Assemblyman Kaminsky. “Sandy victims have suffered enough and do not need to deal with yet another cost.”
Until June 15, 2015, National Grid had waived gas service line alteration fees and associated reconnection fees for Sandy-damaged homes. This procedure is necessary for elevation, a lengthy and costly process that many families are just starting or are still struggling through.
In his letter, Assemblyman Kaminsky wrote, “For homeowners who have just begun this arduous but necessary procedure [of elevation,] the $700 charge to disconnect and reconnect adds yet another costly expense. It is an unfair penalty to those who were unable to elevate shortly after the storm—a near impossibility at the pace with which grant funds for elevation are released from government and other sources.”
“I am concerned about having to pay this high charge for National Grid to disconnect and reconnect my gas,” said Ellen Feldman, a Long Beach resident. “I lost a great deal during Sandy and have been dealing with the extremely high cost of recovery ever since. I thank Assemblyman Kaminsky for jumping on this issue and hope that National Grid takes his request seriously.”
