OBSERVER Photo Power costs when demand is heavy are one sign the state’s power system is facing challenges.

The Chair of the Public Service Commission today approved an order allowing National Grid’s upstate electric and gas utility to postpone implementing previously approved delivery rate increases that would have also taken effect on April 1 under its existing three-year rate plan.

“We thank … National Grid for their cooperation in helping customers who are facing the stress and hardship of COVID-19,” said Commission Chair John B. Rhodes. “We will remain vigilant to ensure that New Yorkers can count on the availability of their critical utility services.”

National Grid upstate will also postpone its April 1 electric delivery rate increase until July 1. This will impact approximately 1.6 million electric customers in its upstate service territory. By agreeing to postpone the rate increases, National Grid upstate will delay the impact these increases would have on its customers during this difficult time.

National Grid upstate is also maintaining the current benefits that low-income customers receive.