Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres says Con Edison’s proposed rate hikes for 2026 are “tone deaf and out of touch.”

“Con Edison is getting away with murder,” Torres said during a press conference Monday.

What You Need To Know

  • Rep. Ritchie Torres says the recent Con Edison rate hike proposals are "tone deaf and out of touch"

  • ConEd wants to raise rates in 2026 by an average of 11.4% for electric and 13.3% for gas

  • According to ConEd, the hikes are needed to keep up with the changing demands of consumers, such as building electrification for charging e-vehicles and to better protect against extreme weather events

  • The utility also points out that the biggest driver of rising rates is New York City property taxes, which can account for as much as 30% of a customer's bill

The utility company is asking Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state’s Public Service Commission for an average electric bill increase of 11.4% and an average gas bill increase of 13.3%.

Torres, who is considering challenging Hochul in next year’s governor’s race, says he’s asking for the proposal to be rejected.

“The attempted double-digit rate increase by ConEd reflects a profound disregard for the economic struggles of everyday New Yorkers,” Torres said.

According to ConEd, the hikes are needed to keep up with the changing demands of consumers, such as building electrification for charging e-vehicles and to better protect against extreme weather events.

The utility also points out that the biggest driver of rising rates is New York City property taxes, which can account for as much as 30% of a customer’s bill.

“It’s nice that we are trying to go green,” Bronx resident Mel Aydin, who was present at Torres’ press conference, said. “But not on an average person’s budget.”

ConEd raised electric rates 9% in 2023, 4% in 2024, and 1.4% this past January. If the 11.4% increase on electric rates is approved, it would amount to a more than 26% jump over four years.

“It means that I’m going to have to take a look at my budget once again,” Aydin said. “It means that I might not even be able to reside here anymore in the Bronx.”

In a statement, a ConEd spokesperson pointed out that the utility invests $1 billion annually in gas safety improvements.

“Our gas delivery rates, set by the state, cover our robust safety and reliability programs, which provide great value to our customers and the region,” the statement said.

A ConEd spokesperson also said the utility has made repeated attempts to discuss the issue with Torres, but so far they say their requests have gone unanswered.