Rate hikes are in store for Con Edison customers and could hit small businesses especially hard.

The rates are expected to increase over the next few months. Small business owners have already had a hard time with bills piling up during the pandemic.

Raimon Polanco, owner of Playo Y Rumba restaurant on Jerome Avenue, is trying to stay afloat. He is doing his best to keep up with the bills.

Con Edison issued a statement that says in part the that changes in customer bills are mainly due to the supply cost of energy, and the company doesn't make a profit on the commodity.

"I'm still struggling with light bills and backed up taxes, but we are still here," says Polanco. "I've come to the point already when I'm just ready to throw in the gloves, but something keeps me here - so if we're here it must be for a reason."

Bronx Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Sorin says it's tough because a lot of businesses have complained. Sorin tells News 12 that Con Ed has told her there is not much it can do about the rate hikes.