IT'S 2022.  IT'S A PANDEMIC.  NOW IS NOT THE TIME FOR A CON EDISON RATE INCREASE IN NEW YORK CITY AND WESTCHESTER COUNTY

Con Edison (Con Ed) provides gas, electric and steam to over 3.5 billion New York City and Westchester County residents and businesses.   

The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates gas, electric and steam utilities.  In January 2020, the Commission approved a proposal by Con Ed to incrementally raise gas prices by 25% and electric 13.5% by 2022.  

Con Ed is now seeking to raise electric and gas bills by 11.2% and 18.2% in 2023, respectively, noting that increases would “vary by customer class,” (residential units and commercial properties).  The company anticipates receiving around $1.2 billion more in electric revenue and $500 million in gas revenue.  Among other targets, their revenue would be used to further fund clean energy investments and upgrade vulnerable utility infrastructures to assure service during severe weather.  According to Con Ed President Matthew Ketschke "..we want to dramatically increase our energy efficiency incentives, make electric vehicle charging more convenient, and encourage heat pumps as an alternative to gas heating."  Their press release suggests a focus on disadvantaged communities 

Con Ed's goals are laudable given compelling evidence of global climate change, the need to continue to aggressively pursue clean energy solutions, and the right of generations now and those to come to a healthy future.  That said, the proposed Con Ed rate hikes are ill-timed.  Among it's ravaging fallout, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in significant job loss, supply chain disruptions, inflated prices on select necessary goods and other pressing economic challenges to the public.  During this pandemic, putting food on the table, conserving starved wallets and prioritizing other immediate needs of children, teenagers and adults of all ages as well as businesses statewide must come first.

The PSC is required to review and approve Con Ed's new proposal.  The PSC must vote no to the proposed rate hikes envisioned by 2023, and defer review of any such proposal until we are all back on our feet.