NJ electric bills may increase 20%, while Con Ed set to raise rates in NY: Here's wh

In New York, utility bills may be going up big time for Con Edison’s nine million customers in early 2026 if the state signs off on the rate hikes.

The utility is proposing rate hikes that would increase the average electric bill by 11.4% and the average gas bill by 13.3% starting Jan. 1, 2026. The state's Department of Public Service (DPS) will make the final call.

"Our house is about 1,000 square feet. $1279! And when you look at the delivery charge on that is $709.27," said Charlotte Watson, bemoaning the added delivery fee from Con Ed. “I pay about $500 to lease my car per month. I could lease almost three cars for the cost of this.”

Rep. Ritchie Torres earlier in the week demanded Gov. Kathy Hochul and the DPS reject the proposal, arguing Con Ed has been overcharging customers for years.

"All utilities are gouging prices but Con Ed is in a league of its own," said Torres. "Both National Grid and Con Ed serve same city, provide same service, same laws, and yet there's a 200% difference in gas delivery."