Westchester and New York City residents will have the opportunity to address their representatives and Con Edison officials regarding the utility service’s proposed rate hike at two public hearings Wednesday.
The hearings will take place Wednesday, July 9, in the first-floor meeting room of the Westchester County Center in White Plains at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Registration is not required, and walk-ins are encouraged.
Con Edison announced in January it would be looking to increase customers’ electric bills by 11.4% and gas bills by 13.3% to fund new infrastructure investments that would “help the company maintain its nation-leading reliable electric service and continue fortifying its energy systems, as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe.”
What investments does Con Edison plan to make in New York?
Among the proposed new investments are programs to reduce methane from gas systems, fortifying power grids to prevent outages as more extreme weather events affect the area and increasing customer service staff for faster assistance.
However, the energy provider estimated it would require at least $1.6 billion more in electric revenue and $440 million in gas revenue to meet their goals, leading to the proposed rate increases.
If the plan is approved, the bill increase will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
State Sen. Harckham fires back at Con Ed rate hike proposal
Since Con Ed’s announcement, many state and county legislators have pushed back against the utility company for attempting to raise costs on New Yorkers and have urged the state Public Service Commission to reject the utility company’s proposal.
“Con Edison’s proposal is tone-deaf and out of touch with the realities now facing working families and fixed-income New Yorkers,” said State Sen. Pete Harckham (D-Peekskill) at a July 8 rate case hearing in Cortlandt Manor. “Many New Yorkers are already struggling to pay rent, buy groceries, and afford basic healthcare. Inflation has stretched household budgets thin and higher utility bills will be the breaking point for many families.”
Those who wish to speak are not required to bring a written speech, as each verbal or written comment will be recorded by a clerk in a transcript for the record. Each person who wishes to participate will be called after completing a request card.
The New York State Department of Public Service says each hearing will be open for at least thirty minutes and will remain in session until all comments are included in the record.
For more information on Con Edison’s proposal and previous hearings, visit the New York State Department of Public Service website.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NY Public Service Commission opens Con Ed rate hike hearings to the public July 9
Reporting by Alexandra Rivera, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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