Westchester leaders sign letter, demand state reject Con Edison rate hikes
The county says the joint proposal sets rate increases at a number that is just way too high for residents.
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Officials across Westchester are trying to keep Con Edison rates affordable for residents.
Westchester leaders, like County Executive Ken Jenkins, announced on Monday at the Westchester County Government Building in White Plains that they signed a letter and are calling on the Public Service Commission to reject Con Edison's proposed rate hikes.
Monday coverage
"We all signed onto the same letter and the letter is clear: the Joint Proposal would exacerbate affordability issues, not solve them," Jenkins says.
The county says the joint proposal sets rate increases at a number that is just way too high for residents.
"For electricity in 2026, a 4.3% increase. In 2027, a 5% increase and in 2028, a 3.3% increase," Jenkins says.
A Public Service Commission spokesman says these statements "represent a minority viewpoint..."
While a date for a decision hasn't been announced yet, Valhalla resident Lance Wilson says the proposed rate hikes couldn't come at a worse time.
"Oh no, I'm not a fan of anything getting higher," Wilson says. "It's already bad enough we're paying higher for food."
If rates go up, the owner of Anthony's Deli in White Plains says he might need to raise his prices.
Con Edison officials say they understand that affordability is a concern. In a statement, the utility says it expanded their energy affordability program and offer flexible payment options to help ease the burden on customers.
