Yonkers Insider: New York State Senator Shelley Mayer: Fighting Against Indefensible Con Ed Bills.

 

With Punxsutawney Phil predicting six more weeks of winter and New Yorkers already struggling financially, I continue to make it a priority to push back against Con Ed’s bills. Last month, I authored a letter to the New York Public Service Commission urging them to require ConEd to suspend the collection of late fees or payments this winter. We are continuing to push the Public Service Commission to take up the issue of late payment charges and get this policy changed, consistent with other energy providers. I am also introducing legislation to limit the profits of all the utility companies, which would translate to lower bills for ratepayers across the district. I believe currently shareholders are prioritized above ratepayers, and that must change.  I have also opposed every rate increase proposal Con Ed submits, and will oppose the one currently under discussion. 

Sadly, none of this addresses the current crises of unaffordable bills. As your Senator, I will do everything in my power to change our regulatory framework which allows Con Ed (and other utilities) to charge unreasonable amounts for the basic services we all need - heat and electricity. 

In the meantime, there is some limited immediate assistance available to some ratepayers which is worthy of your attention:

• Utility credit program for those who fell behind during the pandemic. Governor Hochul Announces $672 Million Electric and Gas Utility Bill Relief for New Yorkers. 
• Public Utility Law Project offers assistance to New York consumers faced with high energy costs, and can direct you to available resources and/or advocate on your behalf with the utility company. You can find them here: Public Utility Law Project.

I assure you I will continue to identify legislative and regulatory solutions to address these unacceptably large rate increases.