Westchester County Executive Granted Public Hearing On Con Edison Rate Hike

Press release from the Westchester County Government:

Audio of Testimony – Click Here

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has successfully secured a public hearing in Westchester on the proposed Con Edison rate hikes. In a letter to the Administrative Law Judges overseeing the rate case, Jenkins formally requested a local hearing and offered the Westchester County Center as a venue. The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) agreed—and will now hold a hearing in the County.

Jenkins said: “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.”

Jenkins testified at the PSC’s virtual hearing, stating that Westchester residents simply cannot afford to pay more for an essential service, “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.”

While Jenkins acknowledged the need for long-term investments in energy infrastructure and clean technology, he urged the PSC to reject the proposed rate hike.

Jenkins also recently signed legislation that solidifies Westchester County’s official opposition to the proposed rate increases. The legislation follows a unanimous, bipartisan vote by the Westchester County Board of Legislators to intervene in the major rate case now underway in New York State. While emphasizing the importance of infrastructure upgrades, Jenkins condemned passing excessive costs onto consumers without full transparency and accountability.

This press release was produced by the Westchester County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.