Westchester Leaders 'Strongly Reject' New Con Edison Rate Hike Proposal

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — The latest rate increase proposal from Con Edison has scaled back their proposed rate increase, but Westchester County officials say the cost to consumers is still too high.

The three-year plan calls for rate increases substantially lower than initially proposed, but in a joint statement, lawmakers decried the latest proposal as an untenable burden on families and businesses.

"Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and the Westchester County Board of Legislators strongly reject the proposed rate increases recently announced as part of the Joint Proposal between Con Edison, the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC), and other parties," the statement said in part. "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."

Officials said that the proposed three-year agreement would let Con Edison raise electric rates by 4.3 percent, 5 percent and 3.3 percent annually from January 1, 2026, through the end of 2028. Gas rates would decrease by 0.3 percent in 2026 and then increase in 2027 by 7.2 percent, and 3.7 percent in 2028.

While Con Edison has said the additional revenue is needed to make improvements to infrastructure and fund clean energy projects, lawmakers remain skeptical about how the money will be spent.

"Let's be clear: investing in infrastructure and clean energy is important," the elected officials said in the joint statement. "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. 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."

Although the latest rate-hike proposal was made in conjunction with the New York State Public Service Commission, the agency still needs to formally approve the plan.

"We urge the PSC to reconsider this proposal, and work with local leaders to find solutions that do not further burden Westchester ratepayers," lawmakers added.