White Plains, NY — In a unanimous vote on Monday night, the Board of Legislators passed a resolution opposing Con Edison’s proposed delivery rate increases.

Upon approval of the rate hike proposal by the state Public Service Commission (PSC), residential electric and gas bills in Westchester and New York City would increase over the next three rate years, from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2025. The new rates would be effective June 1, 2023. Per New York State law, Con Edison is not permitted to raise prices on the energy supply it provides but is allowed to make profits on investments and delivery.

Legislators believe that the rate hike will disproportionately impact low-income families and small businesses already struggling to make ends meet. Many households are considered "energy insecure," meaning they struggle to pay their utility bills on time and maintain adequate energy services. According to the New York State legislature, as of July 2022, 385,358 NYC and Westchester Con Edison customers were already behind on their energy bills, with an average debt of $2,146 per household.

The additional rate hikes would further diminish the purchasing power of federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding, putting families and small businesses in an even more dire financial position to stay safe this winter. LIHEAP provides one-time emergency utility bill support within a calendar year to low-income families nationwide to help subsidize the cost of heating and cooling their homes.

"Con Edison's proposed rate hike is a major concern for our constituents, many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet during these difficult times," said Chairwoman Catherine Borgia (D - Cortlandt, Croton on Hudson, Ossining, Briarcliff Manor, Peekskill). "We cannot allow a utility company to balance its books on the backs of lower-income families and small businesses, especially when it earmarks fossil fuel infrastructure upkeep instead of completely shifting to renewable energy investments."

"Con Edison's rate hike is a slap in the face to working families and small businesses who are already struggling to make ends meet. We need solutions that are fair and equitable for all New Yorkers, not just those who can afford to pay higher rates," said Legislator Catherine Parker (D - Mamaroneck, Rye, Larchmont, part of New Rochelle, part of Harrison).

Legislator Christopher Johnson (D - Yonkers) said, "Skyrocketing electricity costs are not just a burden on our wallets, but a threat to our energy security. As we struggle to keep up with the rising costs, we risk a future where access to reliable and affordable energy becomes a luxury, not a necessity as it should be."

Legislator Ben Boykin (D – White Plains, Scarsdale, West Harrison), Chairman of the Board’s Economic Development Committee said “The proposed Con Edison rate increases will impose additional financial burdens on individuals and families that are already struggling with higher prices due to inflation. Many Con Edison customers are already behind in paying their utility bills and these rate increases will only make this situation worse. Con Edison should redraw their petition for price increases.”

Legislator Erika Pierce (D - Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers) said, “We have heard repeatedly from constituents, especially seniors and young families, who are struggling to pay off their prior utility bills. In addition, we are hearing from constituents who can’t pay their current bills. Given these realities, our public utilities, including Con Edison, should not be allowed to push increases onto the backs of their already struggling customers, especially when those customers have no ability to switch providers.”

Legislator James Nolan (R – Yonkers) said, “I was happy to vote in favor of a legislative resolution opposing the Con-Edison’s proposed delivery rate increases. During uncertain economic times for many residents, the last thing that they should worry about is paying even more in energy costs.”

Legislator David Tubiolo (D – Yonkers, Mt. Vernon) said, “I express strong opposition to any rate hike, with the current cost of living, our residents can't afford further increases. We should work together with our state partners to keep utilities affordable." The resolution firmly states the county legislature's opposition to the proposed rate increase. Legislators contend that the rate hike reinforces the state's continued dependence on fossil fuels, the largest contributor to climate change. A report conducted by the United Nations states that fossil fuels, such as gas and oil, account for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions.

Legislator Terry Clements (D - Pelham, Pelham Manor, New Rochelle) said, “Access to electricity is not a privilege, but a necessity for our modern world. For those who are already struggling to pay their electric bills, another rate increase can push them closer into poverty and financial insecurity.”

Additionally, while the company has committed to increasing its renewable energy portfolio in the coming years, the proposed rate hike doesn’t do enough to accelerate this transition or reduce the state's carbon footprint. Con Edison still generates large portions of its electricity from natural gas and other non-renewable sources, which results in ongoing maintenance of pipelines for gas delivery.  Further, the company disclosed that a significant portion of the revenue from its proposed rate increases will invest in fossil fuel infrastructure.

Chair of the Environment, Energy, and Climate Committee and BOL Vice-Chair Nancy Barr (D – Harrison, Rye Brook, Port Chester) said, "New York State and Con Edison should be doing everything in their power to transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy system, not doubling down on the status quo. This rate hike is both costly and counterproductive, and will only reinforce our dependence on dirty, non-renewable energy sources."

Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson (D - Elmsford, Greenburgh, Tarrytown, White Plains) said, “Energy is an increasingly important social and public health concern and those who are dealing with energy insecurity are already struggling and cannot withstand household energy rate increases. Energy is essential to meeting basic needs and is a prerequisite for good health, this should foster good community partners in energy providers. In the BOL’s Committee on Health we are focused on energy insecurity as a vulnerability. Implementing rate increases to invest in fossil fuel infrastructure will add to economic hardship and lend to adverse environmental, health and socioeconomic consequences.”

Legislator Colin Smith (D – Cortlandt, Peekskill, Yorktown) said, “Approving the rate hike for electric and gas delivery would be agreeing to a costly investment in a dying fossil fuel industry that not only harms the environment but also jeopardizes our economic and social progress. We have the potential to use better, more efficient technology; let’s make the switch now before it is too late.”

Customers may provide comments to the PSC by Friday, April 7, 2023, but they will continue to be accepted while these cases remain pending before the PSC.

Written comments will become part of the record considered by the PSC. Comments can be accessed on the Department of Public Service website by searching the case numbers "Case 22-E-0064 (Con Edison electric rates)" or "Case 22-G-0065 (Con Edison gas rates)," and clicking on the "Public Comments" tab.