VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Rising energy bills from National Grid cause concern for local businesses
Moira Vaughan: Utility bills are rising due to increased gas and electric prices from the National Grid. Residents and local businesses in Central New York are facing potential power shutoffs as a result. Reeves Farms in Baldwinsville said that while they are not behind on their utility payments, they have noticed a sharp uptick in their monthly bill from the National Grid. Though not in season, the farm requires energy 24/7, and raised prices cut into labor and infrastructure needed for the farm. At Cafe Kubal in downtown Syracuse, manager Shamae Bennett says she notices the price increase in the cafe and in her own apartment.
Shamae Bennett: If my bill is $300 for just a one-bedroom apartment, for this entire space that has things on 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — I couldn’t imagine the numbers that bill would have on top of expenses like labor, production. It would be really hard to keep things going.
Moira Vaughan: National Grid says that power shutoffs are a last resort. Cafe Kubal and Reeves Farm say that they are still in a good position financially, but they are cautious for the future.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Residents and local businesses in Central New York are facing increased utility costs each month. The rise in energy pricing comes from National Grid, especially concerning heat and gas bills.
Reeves Farms in Baldwinsville says they are experiencing sharp increases in their energy bills, which is cause for concern given that their farm requires electricity 24/7. At Cafe Kubal in downtown Syracuse, Manager Shamae Bennett shared that the heat in her personal apartment was becoming more expensive, and it’s even worse for a business that requires heating around the clock.
“If my bill is $300 for just a one-bedroom apartment, for (Cafe Kubal) that has things on 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — I couldn’t imagine the numbers that bill would have,” said Bennett.
When more money goes towards utilities, it usually cuts into other expenses such as labor, production, inventory and infrastructure. Especially for the local farms that are not yet in season, monthly revenue can take a big hit.
Despite this, both Reeves Farms and Cafe Kubal are optimistic for the spring. National Grid says that power shutoffs are a last resort, and as temperatures rise, less heat and gas will be used indoors.