Community leaders and union members joined the Queens borough president Monday to urge Con Edison not to increase rates.

“A high rate increase would have a huge impact on residents and businesses alike, with some estimates suggesting a potential increase of up to $154 per family per month,” Queens Civic Congress Vice President Ashook Ramsaran said.

The utility proposed rate hikes that would increase customer electric bills increase by more than 11% and gas bills by more than 13% starting on Jan. 1, 2026.

“As these costs go up, what happens simply is that affordability goes down,” Richard Khuzami of the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association said.

ConEd said it has to pay for needed investments in infrastructure “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 conduct ongoing maintenance and swiftly respond to customer service calls.”

The governor and other elected leaders have urged the public service commission to reject the increased proposal.

“We’re calling on the Public Service Commission who would have to approve these rate hikes to absolutely vote this down,” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said. “Many people are already feeling the squeeze. Whether it’s inflation in the grocery store.”

That squeeze could tighten after President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs for U.S. trading partners last week.

Economists expect the tariffs on imported goods to raise the cost of everyday items.

“I’m on social security now. And I get the smallest amount as it is now,” Queens resident Lisa Atzmon said. “Plus, I’m on food stamps. And it’s scary out there.”

Some people NY1 spoke with Monday are worried about prices others say they want to give the president’s economic agenda time.

“I’m concerned, but at the same time you have to live,” said Nadine Sims. “You can’t worry. Just have to find a way to adjust.”

Adjust is what Con Ed customers will have to do if it gets its way. The utility said rate increases also, “result from the estimated property taxes on energy infrastructure our customers will pay in 2026.”

The Public Service Commission will hold virtual public hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon.

To speak, residents must register the day before at www.dps.ny.gov.