Westchester Reporter

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has successfully arranged a public hearing regarding proposed rate hikes by Con Edison. This public event will take place in Westchester, following his formal request to the Administrative Law Judges handling the rate case. Jenkins recommended the Westchester County Center as a suitable venue for the hearing, and the New York State Public Service Commission has agreed to hold it in the county.

Jenkins remarked, “If Con Edison truly believes this rate hike is justified, they should look the people of Westchester in the eye and explain why. Residents and business owners deserve the opportunity to ask questions, get answers, and be heard—not just on paper, not just online, but face to face.”

During the PSC’s virtual hearing, Jenkins spoke on behalf of local residents, arguing against the rate increase. “I am here on behalf of all working-class families, seniors on fixed incomes, and small business owners who are already doing everything they can to make ends meet. Forcing people to choose between heating their homes and buying groceries is not just bad policy—it’s unacceptable,” Jenkins stated.

While acknowledging the need for future investments in energy infrastructure and clean technology, Jenkins urged the PSC to reject the proposed hikes. In support of this stance, Jenkins recently ratified legislation marking Westchester County’s formal opposition to the rises. This legislative action followed a unanimous bipartisan decision by the Westchester County Board of Legislators to intervene in the ongoing rate case in New York State. Jenkins highlighted the necessity of infrastructure improvements but criticized imposing heavy costs on consumers without sufficient transparency and accountability.