“The Public Service Commission’s decision to approve another round of Con Edison rate increases is deeply disappointing and reflects a failure to put ratepayers first. At a time when New Yorkers are struggling with rising costs, this decision will force too many families, seniors, and small businesses to make impossible choices just to keep their lights on and their heat running.
I have heard directly from my constituents in Yonkers, Greenburgh, and Mount Pleasant who are already facing shockingly high energy bills. As I said in a letter from March to the Public Service Commission urging against these rate hikes, many residents are still paying delivery charges that far exceed the actual cost of the energy they use. This is not sustainable.
While Con Edison continues to justify higher rates by citing infrastructure upgrades and system improvements, customers see no corresponding relief in their bills. Maintenance and modernization should not be financed on the backs of ratepayers who are already struggling to keep up. The Public Service Commission’s dismissal of widespread public input from tens of thousands of New Yorkers only compounds the problem.
The approval of these rate hikes follows a troubling pattern: Con Edison requests increases, the Commission approves them, and working families are left to absorb the cost. These are real financial hardships that are growing worse with each approved increase.
New Yorkers deserve affordability and transparency. That’s why the State Senate has passed countless pieces of legislation with the intent of protecting utility customers and holding utility companies accountable. I will continue to work with the Governor and my colleagues in the Legislature to advance affordability measures and meaningful reforms that protect consumers from excessive and unjustified rate increases.”