Westchester Lawmakers Oppose Con Edison Rate Hike Proposal

Opposition to Con Edison's Rate Hike Proposal

• 💡 Westchester County lawmakers are pushing back against Con Edison's proposal for electricity and gas rate increases.
• 🎯 The utility company seeks approval from the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) for a three-year phased-in increase.
• ⚠️ Local leaders argue that the proposed rates would exceed the rate of inflation, making it difficult for residents and businesses.

Impact on Small Businesses and Residents

• 📈 Small business owner Nick Prisco describes Con Edison's current rates as "astronomical" and making it "almost impossible" to do business.
• 🏠 Westchester County Executive and the Board of Legislators sent a letter to the PSC urging them to reject or modify the proposal.
• 💰 Residents are facing impossible choices between paying for rent, utilities, groceries, or heating and cooling.

Con Edison's Response and PSC Decision

• 💬 A Con Edison spokesperson acknowledged that affordability is a critical issue and stated they balance investments in resilience and reliability with customer costs.
• ⚖️ The PSC is considering Con Edison's proposal, with 40 Westchester municipalities either signing on or not opposing it.
• ⏳ No decision date has been set by the PSC regarding the rate increase proposal.