Westchester County Board of Legislators condemns proposed Con Edison rate increase
The possible Con Edison rate increases are still big concerns for residents and Westchester County officials. The Westchester County Board of Legislators held a meeting about these concerns today.
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The possible Con Edison rate increases are still big concerns for residents and Westchester County officials.
The Westchester County Board of Legislators held a meeting about these concerns on Tuesday.
"The rates are just too high," says Irma Pereira, a Yonkers resident. "We have to figure out, do we pay the Con Ed bill, do we pay the food? Everything's just going up."
"It's going to be unaffordable if they increase the rates. How low can you keep the heat? We kept it very low this year," says Anna Marchetti, a Yonkers resident.
As News 12 previously reported, Con Edison officials filed a petition with the Public Service Commission seeking to increase electric and gas rates to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
Con Edison officials say under this proposal, electric rates would increase 11.4% and an average gas bill would increase 13.3%.
Con Edison officials say they need the money to upgrade infrastructure and support clean energy.
On Tuesday, the Westchester County Board of Legislators met to condemn the proposed rate hikes.
"It is not right for the average person in Westchester County to be given the choice between keeping your lights on, your heat on or giving money to Con Ed shareholders," says David Imamura, a Westchester County legislator.
"Westchester residents already face some of the highest utility rates in the country. These proposed rate increases would only serve to further exacerbate that financial strain," says Colin Smith, a Westchester County legislator.
Con Edison was not present at Tuesday's meeting and county legislators were frustrated.
But a spokesperson sent us a statement saying they appreciate the perspectives of the Board of Legislators, community stakeholders and customers on the proposed plan.
"The formal review process, conducted by the Public Service Commission, is currently underway and allows stakeholders to participate directly in the proceeding, with multiple opportunities for public comments on the proposal for the record. We encourage all stakeholders to utilize that process for engagement on this open proceeding," the spokesperson said. "We also have a responsibility to continue safely and efficiently delivering the nation’s most reliable electric service. That means fortifying the grid against increasingly severe weather, supporting the state’s clean energy goals and maintaining the workforce we need to conduct ongoing maintenance and swiftly respond to customer service calls.”
