Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and the Westchester County Board of Legislators have issued a statement opposing proposed rate increases by Con Edison. The increases are part of a Joint Proposal involving Con Edison, the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC), and other stakeholders.
The proposal would allow Con Edison to raise electric rates by 4.3% in 2026, 5.0% in 2027, and 3.3% in 2028. Gas rates would decrease by 0.3% in 2026 but then rise by 7.2% in 2027 and another 3.7% in 2028.
In their statement, Jenkins and the Board said: “Families are already being stretched to the breaking point. Utility bills are skyrocketing while wages remain flat. We are hearing from seniors on fixed incomes, families juggling multiple jobs, and business owners barely staying afloat. A rate hike of this magnitude will force too many to choose between paying their utility bills and affording necessities like food, medicine, or childcare.”
They acknowledged the importance of investing in infrastructure and clean energy but stressed that affordability must be maintained: “Let’s be clear: investing in infrastructure and clean energy is important. We support a reliable grid and a sustainable future. But that future must be affordable. Con Edison cannot be allowed to continue passing their costs on to customers without full transparency, real justification, and measurable accountability.”
Jenkins and the legislators reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for fair energy policies that protect consumers: “The County Executive and the Board of Legislators reaffirm their commitment to advocating for fair, transparent and equitable energy policies – ones that protect consumers and hold utilities accountable for efficient and responsible operations. Any plan that asks residents to pay more must come with clear, measurable benefits – not just promises.”
They called on state regulators to reconsider the proposal: “We urge the PSC to reconsider this proposal, and work with local leaders to find solutions that do not further burden Westchester ratepayers.”
