Westchester Residents Oppose Con Edison Rate Hikes Citing Affordability Concerns

Proposed Con Edison Rate Increases

• ⚡ Con Edison is proposing an average electric bill increase of 11.3% and an average gas bill increase of 10.12% for customers.
• 💡 These proposed hikes are slightly lower than the original proposal made in January.

Resident Concerns and Affordability

• 💸 Residents in Westchester County are voicing strong opposition to the proposed rate hikes, deeming them unaffordable and unacceptable.
• 🏠 Many customers, like Carol Bolo from Yonkers, report that their current bills are already hundreds of dollars a month, with increases impacting their ability to manage household expenses.
• 📉 Some residents are considering moving due to the inability to afford Con Edison's services any longer.

Con Edison's Justification for Hikes

• 🏗️ Con Edison states the increases are necessary for infrastructure investment to keep the grid stable, especially in the face of severe weather.
• 🌳 The company also cites the need to support the state's clean energy goals and maintain a workforce for prompt customer service.

Opposition from County Leaders

• 🗣️ County leaders have rallied against the proposed increases, calling them unfair and unaffordable for working families in Westchester.
• ⚖️ They argue that the proposed percentage increases far outweigh typical annual salary raises.

Con Edison's Affordability Measures

• 🤝 Con Edison acknowledges affordability concerns and highlights that they provided $300 million in bill discounts to low-income customers last year.
• 📈 They plan to continue enrolling eligible customers in affordability programs.