Gov. Kathy Hochul is speaking out against proposed rate hikes for Con Edison customers, urging the Department of Public Service to reject the proposal.

The governor claims that the rate hikes would cost New Yorkers hundreds of dollars each year, directly affecting families and low-income seniors.

In a news conference, Hochul signed a letter to the chair of the Department of Public Service, asking him to reject Con Edison's proposal. She also directed the department to conduct a statewide audit of utility company salaries and compensation to ensure New Yorkers are getting a fair deal.

"This is a statement of my priorities as governor, to protect our citizens from the cost of everything going up and starting with their utility bills. I don't want to have people continue using dirtier fossil fuel-based energy because they can't afford these bills."