Photo Courtesy of Con Ed
The proposal, according to Con Ed, seeks an additional $485 million to run the company’s electric delivery system in 2020 and $210 million for the natural gas delivery system.
By Michael V. Cusenza
City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) this week submitted written testimony in opposition to what the South Queens lawmaker characterized as Consolidated Edison’s “unfair” proposed rate hikes.
In January, Con Edison sought approval from the State Public Service Commission for new electric and gas delivery rates in 2020. The proposal, according to the utility, seeks an additional $485 million to run the company’s electric delivery system in 2020 and $210 million for the natural gas delivery system.
According to Con Ed, over the next three years, on average, electric rates will go up by 13.5 percent in that time. Electric bills will increase 4.2 percent this coming year, then 4.7 percent the following year, and an additional 4 percent in 2022.
The utility is also expected to raise the price of natural gas, with a 7.5-percent increase in 2020, 8.8 percent in 2021 and 7.2 percent in 2022.
“Our proposal will build on the progress we have made in putting tools in the hands of our customers to help them manage their energy usage,” Con Ed President Tim Cawley said earlier this year. “We’re making it easier for them to take advantage of energy efficiency, charge electric vehicles and communicate with us. We’re also improving our response to severe weather events and taking steps to protect the environment.”
However, Ulrich on Tuesday argued that the proposed rate hikes are far above the rate of inflation and would make it difficult for seniors and individuals living on a fixed income to cover the cost of utilities. Ten percent of Con Ed customers are already roughly 60 days behind on paying their bills, according to a recent Spectrum News NY 1 report.
“New Yorkers already pay some of the highest utility rates in the nation. As a member of the New York City Council, I see firsthand how difficult it can be for some families to make ends meet. These unfair rates are simply not tenable for many of my constituents. I urge the Public Service Commission to decline Con Ed’s rate hike request,” Ulrich wrote. “I am proud to submit this testimony to defend my constituents against these egregious rate hikes. Con Edison is one of the wealthiest energy companies in the United States, with more than $10 billion in annual revenue, and over $48 billion in assets. There is no rhyme or reason behind the company’s proposed hikes other than to extract more money from hardworking New Yorkers.”
The utility claimed in January that it was seeking approval for the rate hikes “to fund infrastructure and other investments that would give customers more convenient access to clean, energy-saving products; enhance safety and reliability; and make it easier for customers to get information about their usage and service.”
Con Edison was scheduled to hold a public hearing on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m. at the SUNY Global Center on E 55th Street in Manhattan.
Log on to dps.ny.gov, click “Search” and enter the applicable case number (19-E-0065 or 19-G-0066), and then click on the “Public Comments” tab to submit your testimony electronically by Dec. 20.
Alternatively, comments may be mailed or delivered—by Dec. 20—to the Honorable Michelle L. Phillips, Secretary, Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12223-1350.
