Rep. Ritchie Torres is calling on the state to reject recent proposed price hikes from Con Edison that would boost electric bills by 11.4% and gas bills by 13.3%.
Any price increases must first be approved by the governor-appointed New York State Public Service Commission (PSC). Con Edison remains the only provider customers can use in our borough, so with no way to seek more affordable options, Torres says the state should help.
"Con Ed can only propose rate increases, but ultimately it's the governor and the Public Service Commission that approves those rate increases," Torres said. "People of the Bronx are struggling to put food on the table... Who can afford double-digit increases?"
The commission told News 12 that they are “poring over the utility’s books to identify ways to cut costs “and that approved rates are “nearly always lower than what is requested.”
Con Ed’s proposal says these increases will be used to fund projects, like MTA bus depots, as well as ensure that the company adheres to state climate laws. However, Torres says it’s the customer who ends up footing the bill.
Last year, the congressman’s office conducted an investigation that found some Bronx residents are being charged more for utility services by Con Edison than residents are in other parts of the city by companies like National Grid.
“Both National Grid and Con Edison serve the same city, provide the same service, are bound by the same laws,” Torres said at his office on Monday morning. “And yet there's a 200% difference in gas delivery.”
Con Ed told News 12 in a statement it “has offered to meet with Rep. Torres many times on this issue and that offer still stands.” The company also said that gas delivery rates are set by the state.
National Grid did propose increases to Brooklyn customers as well in 2024, which was eventually approved by the PSC.
The commission says customers will get to weigh in on the proposal throughout the 11-month review process. Public hearings have not yet been scheduled.
