Con Edison Faces Hearings Over Proposed Rate Hikes

Public hearings are being held in New York City and Westchester to collect feedback on Con Edison's proposed electric and gas rate increases, which could raise customer bills by up to $300 monthly. Con Edison claims the hikes are necessary for infrastructure upgrades, reducing methane emissions, and improving grid resilience, requiring $1.6 billion in electric and $440 million in gas revenue. State and local officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul, have urged the Public Service Commission to reject these increases due to concerns about affordability for working-class and fixed-income residents. Critics cite Con Edison’s high executive pay and profit margins, arguing that residential customers should not subsidize commercial infrastructure costs. Despite Con Edison offering $300 million in discounts to low-income customers in the past year, public opposition remains strong. The Public Service Commission is conducting an 11-month review, with a final decision expected in 2026.