Scarsdale Trustees Voice Opposition to Proposed Con Edison Rate Hikes

The following letter was sent by the Scarsdale Board of Trustees to the Public Service Commission)

February 26, 2025)
Public Service Commission
Rory M. Christian, Chair
New York State Public Service Commission Empire State Plaza
Agency Building 3
Albany, NY 12223

Subject: Urgent Concern Over Con Edison Rate Hikes and Public Service Commission Oversight

Chair Christian and Members of the Public Service Commission,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and residents of Scarsdale, I write to express deep frustration over the continued failures of the Public Service Commission (PSC) to safeguard ratepayers from excessive and unjustified rate increases by Con Edison. Year after year, Con Edison posts significant profits while continuing to raise rates, placing an unnecessary burden on residents, including those on fixed incomes. These continual increases have rightfully sparked outrage in our community, as ratepayers see costs rise without a corresponding improvement in service. The PSC’s primary responsibility is to protect the public interest, yet it appears to have done little to check these increases, undermining confidence in the regulatory process and leaving residents frustrated by an apparent lack of oversight and accountability.

The recent and proposed rate hikes are unacceptable. In 2023, Con Edison increased electric rates by approximately 9.0%, adding about $10.49 to the average monthly residential bill in Westchester County. This was followed by a 4.2% increase in 2024, adding another $5.38 per month, and a further 1.5% increase in 2025, adding $1.96 per month. Now, Con Edison is proposing an additional 11.4% increase in electric rates and a 13.3% increase in gas rates for 2026. If approved, these hikes would result in the average customer paying nearly $1,848 more per year compared to five years ago.

These increases are often justified under the guise of infrastructure investments that have resulted in nothing but prolonged inconvenience and disruption for Scarsdale residents. Alleged “upgrade” projects have led to street closures, noise pollution, and unreliable service without any clear benefit to those who are paying the price. Meanwhile, Con Edison’s shareholders continue to profit handsomely at the expense of working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and small businesses struggling to keep up.

Furthermore, there appears to be little incentive for Con Edison to operate efficiently or implement meaningful cost-saving measures, particularly when it can continue to rely on rate increases to sustain its operations. Our experience in Scarsdale suggests that the only apparent cost-cutting efforts are in areas such as communication with impacted residents—an essential function that has been noticeably absent in projects within our community. The lack of proactive engagement has left residents frustrated and uninformed about work being done in their neighborhoods. A company granted such significant authority over essential services must be held to a higher standard of accountability, transparency, and operational efficiency.

We acknowledge that Governor Hochul has publicly expressed opposition to these proposed rate hikes, directing the Department of Public Service to thoroughly scrutinize Con Edison’s request. While this is a commendable first step, it is imperative that these words translate into concrete actions. The PSC must exercise its regulatory authority to reject these unjustified increases and implement measures that protect consumers from future exploitation.

The PSC is mandated to regulate utilities in a manner that balances corporate profitability with consumer protection. This balance has been utterly absent in recent decisions. Instead of rubber- stamping Con Edison’s never-ending demands for higher rates, the Commission must take decisive action to rein them in.

Ultimately, the responsibility for addressing this issue rests with Governor Hochul, who appoints the members of the PSC. As the leader of this state, she has the authority to ensure that regulatory bodies serve their intended function—protecting residents, not enriching corporations. We urge the Governor and this Commission to reject any further increases and take decisive action to prevent unchecked rate hikes that place an undue burden on New Yorkers.

The residents of Scarsdale deserve fair rates, reliable service, and a Commission that upholds its duty to regulate in the public interest. We urge immediate and meaningful action to stop this pattern of unchecked rate hikes and corporate favoritism.

Sincerely,
Justin K. Arest Mayor of Scarsdale

cc:
Governor Kathy Hochul
State Assemblymember Amy Paulin
State Senator Shelley Mayer
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins Westchester County Legislator Ben Boykin