Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Energy Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Councilors press city staff over confusing solar program mailing and $90 subscription claim
Summary
Councilors raised constituent concerns about a National Grid-linked solar program mailing that some residents say lists a $90 subscription fee; Michael Collins said the program offers up to a 10% bill credit (20% for income-eligible customers) and staff will follow up to reconcile contradictory letters.
Councilors told the Syracuse City Council they had received constituents' calls about a recent mailing promoting a solar energy program administered through National Grid, and about an apparent $90 subscription fee mentioned in the mailing.
Michael Collins, Commissioner for Neighborhood Business Development, briefed the council on the program and described how the billing credit is intended to work. "For people that sign up for it, there is an up to 10% credit unless they are income eligible, then it could be up to 20% credit on their National Grid bill if they so choose to sign up," Collins said. When asked about the fee noticed by residents, Collins told the council the charge is a subscription fee and offered to follow up and provide copies of the letter for staff review.
A councilor summarized constituent confusion: that a mailer from the company referenced a $90 fee while a notice from the mayor's office said there would be no fee. Councilors asked staff to obtain the mailer text and clarify whether the subscription fee applies and how it affects the advertised credit. Collins said the staff member who compiled the details was out sick and that he would secure the needed documentation within a day or two.
Councilors did not take formal action on the program during the provided transcript segments; staff committed to follow up with document copies and a clarification to the council.
