Richard Kessel Quotations

We're not doing anything differently than any other utility.

I don't think we should jump in without testing the marketplace. Be patient. If things work out, we'll be everywhere with this.

He's a dentist with a heart. You have to take your hat off to someone who volunteers to help people, like he did after the hurricane.

People are speculating that this is somehow going to force electric rates up. It won't. There are a lot of people that are nervous about this acquisition. I am here to calm your nerves down a bit.

National Grid was one of them. They made a very positive impression on me.

We are blowing past all energy records that have been ever set.

We are not talking about unspecified savings down the road. I want to see direct benefits in the form of lower rates.

We are very, very alarmed. NIFA is deeply concerned about the future of the hospital.

We have every expectation that this deal will work.

This plant is extremely important on Long Island if we want to keep the lights on, clean up the environment and keep our bills down.

It's the most important energy project in the history of Long Island because for the first time, Long Island will become part of the national energy grid, and for the first time, we'll be able to import power from the south, where it's a heck of a lot cheaper. It's important for the reliability of the system as well. When this is online two summers from now, it will have a significant impact on our customers' bills.

It's the argument I've been trying to make. I understand that people are angry about their bills, but I think what people don't understand is that the increase is due almost solely to the cost of fuel.

The attorney general's delay will give us time to take a look at this very important energy issue.

This is a very healthy transaction for the two companies and shareholders and executives, and we feel some of the benefits have to flow through to our customers.

The choice isn't wind or nothing. It's wind or a fossil-fuel plant.

If there is new environmental information, we'll always take a look at it.

He's very direct and honest and wasn't afraid to say what he thinks.

I don't think there's any question that over the next 10 or 12 years Long Island is going to need more gas supply to generate electricity. The question is how best to get it in a way that's economical, safe and environmentally friendly.

The challenge on Long Island is, how do we deal with our addiction to oil and natural gas? Small businesses have to be more energy-efficient. If you don't, you're wasting money.

The days of rosy sales tax growth have come to an end.