Westchester Cities Unite Against Con Edison Rate Hike Proposal

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Thirty-eight cities, towns, and villages in Westchester County have formed a consortium aimed at opposing Con Edison’s proposed rate increases. This coalition seeks legal representation before the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) in conjunction with Con Edison’s electric and gas rate case.

In January, Con Edison filed a petition with the PSC for an increase in electric and gas rates, which is set to take effect on January 1, 2026. The company proposes an 11.4% rise in electric rates and a 13.3% increase in average gas bills. This follows a cumulative 20% rate hike over the past three years.

Con Edison officials justify the proposed increases by stating the need for funds to enhance infrastructure and support clean energy initiatives. Recently, the PSC conducted virtual meetings to discuss the proposed hikes.

“Westchester County will continue to push back against this proposed hike with everything that we have because our communities deserve better,” said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. “Forcing people to choose between lighting and heating their homes and buying groceries is not just bad policy, it’s unacceptable.”

The municipalities participating in the consortium include Ardsley, Bedford, Briarcliff, Buchanan, Cortlandt, Croton-on-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, Eastchester, Elmsford, Greenburgh, Hastings, Irvington, Mamaroneck town, Mamaroneck village, Mount Vernon, New Castle, New Rochelle, Ossining town, Ossining village, Peekskill, Pelham Manor, Pelham town, Pelham village, Port Chester, Rye Brook, Rye city, Rye town, Scarsdale, Tarrytown, Yonkers, and Yorktown.

Additionally, towns expected to endorse a resolution to join the coalition at upcoming meetings include Bronxville, Mount Pleasant, North Castle, Pleasantville, Sleepy Hollow, Tuckahoe, and White Plains.

As the case evolves, other Westchester municipalities may consider joining the consortium as well.