The Westchester County Board of Legislators has taken decisive action to protect residents against Con Edison's proposed double-digit rate increases. 

In a unanimous, bipartisan vote on Monday night, the Board agreed to become a party to the major rate case in New York State alongside Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. This proactive move highlights the County’s unified commitment to protecting working-class families, seniors and business owners and safeguarding the availability of affordable electricity and gas for all Westchester residents.

The Board's decision to join the rate case with the County Executive ensures that Westchester's concerns will remain central throughout the proceedings and amplifies the voices of those who would be directly impacted by soaring rates. Westchester County leadership is actively fighting for fairness and accountability in defending residents from unjustified utility rate increases.

Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D- New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, “We are drawing a line in the sand against these excessive rate hikes that would devastate Westchester families and seniors already struggling with rising costs. By joining this rate case, we're ensuring our residents have a powerful voice at the table where decisions are made.”

The New York State Public Service Commission is reviewing Con Edison’s proposed price spikes. If approved, energy bills for residential customers jump by an average of 11.4% for electricity and 13.3% for gas by 2026. The Public Service Commission will decide on the final rates after a months-long process. County Executive Ken Jenkins, Chairman Vedat Gashi and other legislators will participate in the Public Service Commission’s online hearings in early April.

County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “The Public Service Commission should pull the plug on this proposal and demand a plan that actually works for consumers, not just Con Ed’s bottom line. While we all recognize the need for reliable energy and infrastructure improvements, passing excessive costs onto consumers—especially without transparency and accountability—is simply unacceptable.”

Minority Leader Margaret A. Cunzio (C- North Castle, Mount Pleasant, Pleasantville, Sleepy Hollow, Harrison) said, “Con Edison’s recent submission of a petition to the NYS Public Service Commission requesting authorization to increase gas and electric rates by double digits is unconscionable. By the affirmative Board vote to become a party in this rate case—it gives us a seat at the table and demonstrates our commitment to our constituents to try to keep these increases from continuing to be a burden to the residents of Westchester.”

Legislator Colin D. Smith (D- Cortlandt, Peekskill, Yorktown) Chair of the Board’s Legislation Committee said, “Hardworking families and small businesses are already struggling with rising costs; rate hikes from Con Edison would only add to that burden. We need to ensure that essential services remain affordable and accessible to all. Tonight’s vote is a strong move in the fight to protect consumers from unfair rate increases that hit them where it hurts the most.”

Legislator David T. Imamura (D- Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Greenburgh, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington) Chair of the Board’s Law & Major Contracts Committee said, “At a time when the CEO of Con Ed is making more than $16 million a year, it is outrageous to place the burden of paying corporate executives’ salaries on the backs on the working people of Westchester. I’m thrilled that today the County is ensuring we have our day in court.”

Meeting replay will be available HERE.