Engel: Con Ed Bonuses 'Insult' Scarsdale, Westchester

Four high-level employees at Con Ed have received bonuses reaching into six-digit territory—a payout that's unacceptable after Hurricane Sandy, says Rep. Eliot Engel (D-Westchester/Bronx).

The bonuses—which total $614,000 and include a $315,000 check to CEO Kevin Burke—were first reported by The New York Times. Con Ed said the money was awarded due to "significant challenges" the power provider faced in 2012.

When Superstorm Sandy hit Scarsdale and the rest of the tri-state area six months ago, hundreds of thousands of Con Ed customers were left in the dark for days—including some and Edgemont.

The storm also claimed four lives in the region.

Engel said Con Ed failed to restore power properly in the wake of the storm, and censured their decision to dish out extra pay.

"Con Edison's response to Superstorm Sandy in my district was abysmal," he said. "People don't deserve bonuses based on the unsatisfactory response and arrogance of Con Edison in dealing with the storm." 

"These bonuses are an insult to ratepayers and I urge Con Edison to rethink them," he added. 

Engel noted that Con Ed attempted to raise rates three months ago.

"Perhaps they could enlighten my constituents in Westchester County and the Bronx with these answers since they were unable to light their homes for about two weeks after the storm," he continued. "I invite Con Edison to announce these bonuses at a town hall meeting in my district. I met with many residents, and heard their horror stories, following the storm. I think that may be enlightening to the Con Ed executives."

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Correction: An earlier version of this story said the bonuses were first reported by The New York Post. We regret the error.