RATE INCREASE LETTER TO THE PSC

My family has lived on Ridge Road in Hartsdale for over 50 years. As you know, Con Ed has initiated aggressive “Tree Trimming” activities in our area that has resulted in the destruction of hundreds of acres of woodlands, as well as, the use of toxic herbicides to prevent re-growth particularly on the Catskill Aqueduct areas that end up in our drinking water.

Initially we were told that this was about concerns over power outages, however, since then, we learned that Con Ed has chosen to discontinue a policy of pruning and maintenance and has adopted a new 20 year maintenance plan without any regard for the impact on the environment or the quality of life of the residents in the surrounding area. Not to mention, the economic impact on property owners, particularly in densely populated suburban areas where visual buffering can add a significant value to one’s home.

Now that the trees are gone, the noise from the highway is twice the volume. Windows closed and the morning news on all we can hear is the thousands of cars driving by. We are forced to look and hear cars from every room of the house or put up window treatments to shield the view. Our house was designed to sit on the property with nature, 77 windows provided views that I have treasured through my lifetime. Our family has maintained and preserved the 3.5 acres on Ridge Road rather than slice it up, because we felt it was important to hold off thoughtless development. What to do now...live our lives with windows closed and ear plugs in?

For many of us it seems as if it is too late, I have gone door to door over that past few weeks speaking with my neighbors and our goal now to to stop further destruction and begin a massive replanting initiative on both public and private lands. We also insist that a natural sound barrier be planted along the Spain Brook Parkway in residential areas to muffle the the sounds of constant traffic and air pollution.

The thought that Con Ed would be awarded a rate increase seems unfathomable. Looking at their earning reports over the last 5 years, it seems that Con Ed has enjoyed healthy profits. As well as, receiving 180 million in stimulus money earlier in 2009 and then another 45 Million in Smart Grid Funding.

My understanding from reading the U.S.-Canada Power System Outage Task Force: Final Report on Implementation of Recommendations is that there were a number of causes for the 2003 blackout. While it was initially triggered in Ohio by tree limbs coming into contact with Conductors, it was also stated that these trees were in direct contact with power lines and had not been adequately managed. The conditions on that day in August could be called a perfect storm. High temperatures and windless conditions combined with increased amperage draw stressed the supply lines causing additional sagging, thus making direct contact with the poorly maintained trees. Also in the report it states that “Inadequate reactive supply was a factor in most of the events.” and “the assumed contribution of dynamic reactive output of system generators was greater than the generators actually produced, resulting in more significant voltage problems.” In other words the backup generators were not adequate to handle the amperage load or voltage needed. A lack of coordination of System Protection Programs(relays tripping), inadequate communication between Utilities, and lack of "training of operating personnel in dealing with severe
system disturbances" were also noted in the report as causes for the blackout.

Although tree contact was the initial cause of the black out in Ohio, the situation snow balled because the entire system was tenuous at best. The report stated that there were a greater number of instances of other system failures than there were instances of tree contact. I know what Con Ed has done about the trees, now I would like to know whether adequate back up generators have been installed? Has a computerized safety system been created and installed so that the utilities are aware when relays are popping? Is there an emergency protocol in place so that States can now communicate and cooperate in a coordinated effort in such an emergency? And finally, have the administrative employees and utility technicians been properly trained to deal with such a large scale blackout?

I still do not accept that Con Ed needs more money from us to update or repair a broken infrastructure. Shouldn’t that be Con Eds responsibility ? Why should it be my responsibility to maintain Con Eds equipment? Why aren’t they expected to spend their own profits to deliver a better product? In a time where the unemployment rate is above 10% and many people are close to losing their homes, it seems absurd that Con Ed would be looking for a rate increase. They stated on their web page that the a” typical residential customer paying $70 per month would see an increase of $12, or about a 17 percent rise”. But $70 per month is NOT the typical electric bill. I can tell you that my electric bill is $200+ a month since I moved back to Westchester in July and I live alone. I work a seventy hour week, and I don’t have air conditioners or leave my lights on. My Bill for November with heat added was $760.40. I have only 3 heat zones on and the thermostat is set from 63-65 degrees. Another 17 % seems out of step with our national economic outlook and is daunting at best. Moreover, as consumers we have no recourse, Con Ed the only game in town and it would seem that what they say goes. In the spirit of “CHANGE” I have testified twice about this rate increase and I ask that the Public Service Commission protect the public and deny Con Ed the rate increase. This rate increase is no different than an unruly bank industry that got us into our current recession.

I thank you for your attention and would welcome any opportunity to help further my efforts.

Respectfully,
Amy Kupferberg

ANOTHER NEIGHBOR GOING GRASSROOTS*LOOK FOR HIS HANDOUTS IN YOUR MAIL BOXES OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS

CON ED’S CLEAR CUTTING

… Your Voices ARE being Heard!

Senator Stewart-Cousins is asking for SPECIFIC information about ANY damage to your property as a result of Con Edison’s clear cutting of the Catskill ROW. That includes any damage to personal property such as flooding, wind damage and excessive sound from the Sprain Parkway that resulted from the excessive removal of trees. Loss of habitat, life quality and diminished property values are also considered damages. Senator Cousins will be taking this information directly to the Commissioners of the Public Service Commission!
So GET THIS INFORMATION TO HER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
(they will be glad to take your information over the phone, if that suits you)

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins
Room 415 LOB
Albany, NY 12247
(Tel.) (914) 771-4190 (Fax) (914) 771-6045
Email address: scousins@senate.state.ny.us

If you’ve already shared your specific information with those at the Senator’s office, PLEASE continue to communicate with others. Voice your concerns. Engage your Neighbors! As the ball is just beginning to roll! All your support is needed! These people all need to know that we are together on this. So …


Call the PSC and file a complaint,
include the complaint number
on each correspondence 800-342-3377 (8:30 am - 4:00 pm)

Garry A. Brown, Chairman
NYS Public Service Commission
3 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12223
Phone: (518) 474-6530
Fax:(518) 486-6081

Assemblyman Richard Brodsky
5 West Main Street
Elmsford, NY 10523
914-345-0432
http://assembly.state.ny.us


Assemblyman Mike Spano
35 East Grassy Sprain Rd. 4th Floor
Yonkers, NY 10710
914-779-8805
http://assembly.state.ny.us

Please cc:
Paul Feiner, Town Supervisor
Email: pfeiner@greenburghny.com
Office Tel: (914) 993-1540
Fax: (914) 993-1541


STAY INFORMED!
JOIN OUR FRIENDS AT Greengreenburgh@Blogspot.Com

THE HUDSON INDEPENDENTS COVERAGE *PLEASANTVILLE TOWNHALL MEETING 1/9/10 with SENATOR COUSINS &PSC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e6Fwu2Hkb4

RE-POSTING THIS

Great idea to write Professor Kennedy....for all those who are inspired here is the address.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Professor of Environmental Law
Co-Director, Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic Pace Law School
78 North Broadway
White Plains, NY 10603

WRITE LETTERS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CON ED

Kevin Burke
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of Executive Committee, Chairman of Con Edison of New York and Chief Executive Officer of Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Consolidated Edison Inc.
4 Irving Place
New York, New York 10003


Eugene R. McGrath
Chairman, Chairman of Con Edison, Chief Executive Officer of Con Edison, President of Con Edison and Director of Con Edison, Orange & Rockland Utilities Inc.
One Blue Hill Plaza
Pearl River, New York 10965


George Campbell Jr., Ph.D.
President, Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
431 Sperry Road
Stockton, California 95206


Gordon J. Davis Esq.
Director, Member of Environment, Health & Safety Committee, Member of Finance Committee, Member of Planning Committee and Trustee of Con Edison of New York, Consolidated Edison Inc.
4 Irving Place
New York, New York 10003


Michael J. Del Giudice
Chairman and Senior Managing Director, Rockland Capital Energy Investments, LLC
2204 Timberloch Place
The Woodlands, Texas 77380


Ellen Futter
President and Trustee, American Museum Of Natural History
Central Park West 79th Street
New York, New York 10024


Sally Hernandez-Piñero
Director, Chairman of Planning Committee, Member of Environment, Health & Safety Committee, Member of Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee, Member of Finance Committee and Trustee of Con Edison of New York , Consolidated Edison Inc.
4 Irving Place
New York, New York 10003


Vincent A. Calarco
Non Executive Chairman, Chairman of Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee and Member of Audit Committee, Newmont Mining Corp.
6363 South Fiddler's Green Circle
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111


L. Frederick Sutherland
Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, Director, Member of Management Committee and Group Executive of Aramark Uniform & Career Apparel, ARAMARK Corporation
ARAMARK Tower
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107


John F. Killian
Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Verizon Communications Inc.
140 West Street
New York, New York 10007


Michael W. Ranger
Senior Managing Director, Diamond Castle Holdings, LLC
280 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10017


John F. Hennessy III
Chairman Of The Board, Syska Hennessy Group, Inc.
11 West 42nd Street
New York, New York 10036-2300

NEW AND FABULOUS INFORMATION FROM The Irvington Tree Preservation Project

Friday, January 15, 2010
Speak Out About Con Ed's Pay Hike Request!
The PSC will decide by March whether to approve one of two increases proposed by Con Ed. The PSC is accepting public comments until Feb. 2.

Consumers can go to the PSC Web site at www.dps.state.ny.us and fill out the "PSC comment form" located under the "consumer assistance" file, or they may call the commission toll-free at 1-800-335-2120.

PSC spokeswoman Ann Dalton said public input is "always" part of the equation in determining rate hikes. She said not every increase sought is approved.

ACTION REQUIRED-THEY ARE LISTENING WE MUST KEEP THE PRESSURE ON

Email from Paul Feiner:

From: Paul Feiner
Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2010 4:16 PM
Subject: LEGISLATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS TO ADDRESS CON ED TREE CLEARING

This past Saturday members of the Town Board met with State Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins and the Public Service Commission to discuss the recent tree clearing that took place off of Ridge Road and the surrounding neighborhoods. [video here.] The Senator and PSC also attended a meeting in Pleasantville earlier in the day – and heard similar complaints from residents who felt that Con Ed cut down trees that did not impact the power lines.

The Public Service Commission representative advised about 100 people who attended the meeting that the PSC would investigate specific properties where there was improper or excessive removal of trees. If you provide me with specific complaints (and backup documentation) – I will forward them to the PSC.

Mark Gilliland of the Irvington Tree Preservation Project e-mailed me the following thoughtful recommendations that will be forwarded to NYS Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins and the PSC. If you support these recommendations – please advise our State Legislators, Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins and Assemblyman Richard Brodsky. You should also reach out to the PSC. Please send me copies of all correspondence. The recommendations that Mark made should be considered a first draft. Your additional thoughts and feedback would be appreciated.

Paul Feiner

Garry A. Brown, Chairman
NYS Public Service Commission
3 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12223

Assemblyman Richard Brodsky
5 West Main Street
Elmsford, NY 10523

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins
Room 415 LOB
Albany, NY 12247

NEW AND FABULOUS INFORMATION FROM The Irvington Tree Preservation Project

Check out allthe NEW material gathered by Mark Gilliland of The Irvington Tree Preservation Project.

Irvington Chainsaw Massacre - my article from latest Sierra Club newsletter --> http://irvtrees.blogspot.com/2010/01/irvington-chainsaw-massacre.html

Top 5 Required Actions/Fixes for Transmission Line Clearing Projects

http://irvtrees.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-5-required-actionsfixes-for_11.html

Top 5 Required Actions/Fixes for Distribution Line Clearing Projects

http://irvtrees.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-5-required-actionsfixes-for.html

Friends in High Places or Simply Wrong Side of the Tracks? - why is it that those in power often get special treatment? Consider the PSC committee members...

http://irvtrees.blogspot.com/2010/01/friends-in-high-places-or-simply-wrong.html

Video of Saturday's Town Hall Meeting

http://irvtrees.blogspot.com/2010/01/video-of-saturdays-town-hall-meeting.html

Meeting with Senator Stewart-Cousins, the Public Service Commission & Town Supervisor Feiner

There was a significant turnout today at our town meeting with Senator Stewart-Cousins, three representatives from the PSC and Our Town Supervisor, Paul Feiner. Several reporters from local newspapers and News 12 were present. Immediately following the meeting, a brief walk-through was also conducted to show some of the most severely affected areas.

The turnout alone showed the community and our lawmakers that Con Edison's recent clear-cutting has affected a tremendous amount of Greenburgh residents, and we are unwilling to let this fade into our memories without changes being made.

Senator Stewart-Cousins made the point that a lack of communication was a large part of the problem. Her interest is to change the federal and state legislation so that something like this cannot occur in the future without due notification and clear, logical, and specific justification. Current federal regulation is also a contributor to the injustice that occurred to our wooded areas along Con Edison's rights-of-way (ROWs).

One of the representatives from the PSC informed us that more aggressive maintenance along rights-of-way is now required by federal legislation (as mandated by FERC) that resulted from the blackout of 2003. Interestingly, he also pointed out that New York State is the only state EXEMPT from these guidelines, due to the fact that it has consistently been a leader in transmission reliability. So why the extreme cutting plan? Didn't NYS earn that status with the trees still standing?

The PSC has stated that Con Edison was not required to file an environmental impact study because it is not a new construction. The rebuttal was that the agreement for this ROW was created almost 100 years ago and does not address the current residential layout of the area.

That being said, Paul Feiner, who was instrumental in bringing together this group of people, asked the PSC to consider making a change in the franchise agreement with the utility, as that agreement was made before most of the adjacent homes were built. He also stated that it is essential for residents to reach out to Con Edison and negotiate to gain reparations (replacement trees seems to be the only way to go).

None of us disagree that ROWs must be maintained. What we all agreed upon is that the recent maintenance was not done respectfully, honestly, and logically. We also maintain that much of what was cut did not need to be cut - the evidence of this is how reliable electrical transmission along these ROWs has always been in the past, in addition to sheer logic.

It was also brought up that there is an area on Sprain Road that is now unsafe in the event of a car accident. There are very limited guard rail systems, and the trees that were there were part of the natural "braking" system at the top of that steep slope were removed in 2007.

There are areas that have completely eroded and sink holes have developed due to the clear-cutting. In addition, trees in that particular area prevented access for local children to the highway.

There was a consensus that loss of privacy is now a huge issue for all residents adjacent to a ROW. This loss of privacy makes many feel exposed and unsafe in their homes.

So what's the big idea? One big idea is that we need to continue to work (with Senator Stewart-Cousins) towards changing legislation in order to protect residents, as well as utility reliability. Another big idea is that each resident affected by the clear-cutting should be dealing directly with Con Edison to negotiate replantings.

A critical outcome of this meeting is that the PSC and our lawmakers are involved. The PSC has agreed to investigate the legitimacy of the recent clear-cutting and - if overcutting was done - hold Con Edison accountable. They stated that they would return to conduct more thorough onsite inspection.

PSC WILL JOIN SENATOR COUSINS AND PAUL FEINER

Reminder:

Paul Feiner has organized a meeting with Senator Stewart Cousins, PSC Officials, and other members of the Town Council on Saturday, January 9th at 2pm at Greenburgh Town Hall. After a brief meeting he will show the Senator the properties that have been impacted by the Con Edison tree clearing. Areas on tour will include Remsen Road area in Yonkers, Ardsley Road, Underhill Road, DeerHill Lane, Sprain Road and Ridge Road.

Please make time Saturday afternoon and attend this meeting.

Predatory Tree Harvesting

Warning from our friends at http://irvtrees.blogspot.com.

http://irvtrees.blogspot.com/2010/01/predatory-tree-harvesting.html