CITIZEN POWER ALLIANCE

State and federal elected representatives are now weighing in on a $400 million rate hike request by National Grid amid questionable expenses.

The utility giant, which serves some 1.5 million electric customers in Upstate New York, is being probed by the state Public Service Commission for millions of dollars in expenses, including private-school tuition, shipping charges on wine and parties.

It was announced Tuesday that the New York State Senate will hold a hearing on the matter on Oct. 19, said Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane, who chairs the state Senate’s Energy and Telecommunications Committee.

“How can we even contemplate approving rate hikes when this cloud is hanging over the whole process,” said Maziarz in a statement.

Also, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer wants National Grid to withdraw its rate hike request until the matter is resolved.