Gov. Cuomo Speaks Out Against Proposed Con Ed Rate Hike

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo urged the Public Services Commission to reject proposed delivery rate increases on electricity, gas and steam by Con Ed in a statement released Tuesday, Oct. 8.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is calling on the Public Services Commission to reject proposed delivery rate increases on electricity, gas and steam by Con Ed.
Photo Credit: *File photo*

by The Daily Voice

10/09/2013 4:00 p.m.

“With the anniversary of Superstorm Sandy approaching and the recent power outage on the Metro-North’s New Haven line that inconvenienced tens of thousands of commuters, it’s clear that now is not the time for Con Edison to demand that its customers pay more,” Cuomo said in the statement. “This year we strengthened the Public Service Commission in order to create a more aggressive watchdog entity that could hold utilities across New York accountable to ratepayers.”

Con Edison is requesting to increase electric delivery rates by eight percent, gas delivery rates by 2.5 percent and steam delivery rates by 2.3 percent.

Cuomo also said that maintaining and sometimes lowering energy rates is "critical" to supporting the state's economic recovery.

"New Yorkers need to get more value for the price they pay for utility service, and as part of this case the Commission and staff must also carefully evaluate proposed investments in the system to ensure such investments will benefit consumers," Cuomo added in the statement. "I commend the staff at the Department of Public Service for their efforts to fully review and analyze Con Edison’s rate request and to find opportunities to stabilize rates for the businesses and residents of New York."

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