Con Ed Rate Hikes Slashed in State Deal, But Sparks Westchester Backlash

ALBANY, NY (November 12, 2025) — Con Edison’s proposed electric and gas rate increases have been significantly reduced through a settlement with New York state, but local officials in Westchester County are rejecting the deal as still too burdensome for residents.

The settlement lowers a proposed 13.4% electric rate increase to 2.8% and a 19% gas rate increase to 2% on the total customer bill, effective Jan. 1, 2026, with similar increases expected in the following two years.

These changes result from discussions with the New York State Department of Public Service, covering the period from Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2028.

The agreement includes annual increases of approximately 2.8% for electricity and 2.0% for gas in the second and third years.

Con Edison initially requested increases of 11.3% for electric delivery and 10.5% for gas delivery, which would have translated to an average delivery charge increase of $26.60 for electricity and $46.42 for gas per customer.

Those proposals faced opposition from customers, elected officials and consumer advocates concerned about impacts on low-income families and businesses.

The New York State Public Service Commission is reviewing the settlement agreement and will conduct a final review before issuing a decision.

The settlement stems from negotiations between Con Edison, state and local officials, and consumer advocates.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and the Westchester County Board of Legislators issued a statement strongly rejecting the proposed rate increases in the joint proposal between Con Edison, the Public Service Commission and other parties.
Under the agreement, Con Edison would be permitted to raise electric rates by 4.3%, 5.0% and 3.3% annually from Jan. 1, 2026, through the end of 2028.

Gas rates would decrease by 0.3% in 2026 and then increase in 2027 by 7.2% and 3.7% in 2028.

“Families are already being stretched to the breaking point. Utility bills are skyrocketing while wages remain flat. We are hearing from seniors on fixed incomes, families juggling multiple jobs, and business owners barely staying afloat. A rate hike of this magnitude will force too many to choose between paying their utility bills and affording necessities like food, medicine, or childcare,” the statement said.

“Let’s be clear: investing in infrastructure and clean energy is important. We support a reliable grid and a sustainable future. But that future must be affordable. Con Edison cannot be allowed to continue passing their costs on to customers without full transparency, real justification, and measurable accountability.”

“The County Executive and the Board of Legislators reaffirm their commitment to advocating for fair, transparent and equitable energy policies – ones that protect consumers and hold utilities accountable for efficient and responsible operations. Any plan that asks residents to pay more must come with clear, measurable benefits – not just promises.”

“We urge the PSC to reconsider this proposal, and work with local leaders to find solutions that do not further burden Westchester ratepayers.”

This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.