NEW YORK (PIX11) — Con Edison customers rallied in Union Square Friday, voicing their opposition to the company’s plan to increase electricity and gas bills, if approved by the state.
Demonstrators say the proposed rate hikes would devastate working-class New Yorkers. They are urging state leaders to stop the rate hikes and invest in a publicly driven energy system that lowers costs, meets climate goals, improves air quality, and creates green union jobs.
The utility company’s proposed hikes include 11.4% for electricity and 13.3% for natural gas. Gustavo Gordillo is a Con Ed customer who says a rate increase would hit him hard.
“It’s going to affect me because I can’t afford to pay more,” he said. “I’m a regular working-class New Yorker. I came [to the rally] after my job. I work hard for my money, and I don’t want to be giving more of it.”
Demonstrators held signs and chanted, saying the increases would stretch their finances to their breaking point. New York State Assemblymember and mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani says the hikes would burden already struggling New Yorkers.
“For Con Ed, there’s never enough when it comes to their rate hikes,” said Mamdani. “Just as recently as they got one, they want another, and what we are here to say is no.”
Protesters are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to reject the proposed rate hikes. Hochul has previously opposed the plan, directing the state’s Department of Public Service to reject the increases and launch an audit of utility management compensation.
Meanwhile, Con Edison cites rising property taxes on energy infrastructure as a key factor behind the proposed hikes.
A spokesperson says they recognize the affordability challenges and have provided hundreds of millions of dollars in discounts to low-income customers in response. The spokesperson added, “We also have a responsibility to continue to safely and efficiently deliver the nation’s most reliable power. That means fortifying the grid against increasingly severe weather, supporting the state’s clean energy goals and maintaining the workforce we need to conduct ongoing maintenance and swiftly respond to customer service calls.”
The rate hike proposal is now before the New York Public Service Commission, which will conduct a series of public hearings and reviews over an 11-month process. A final decision is expected by fall, with any approved increases taking effect in 2026.
English (US) ·