Con Ed Customers, Lawmakers Slam New Rate Hikes, Demand Legislature Pass NY HEAT Act to Protect NYers from $300/Month Bills

New York, NY – With frustration boiling over about Con Edison’s latest proposed rate hike, Con Ed customers and lawmakers rallied outside the Con Ed HQ in Manhattan today to demand the NYS Legislature pass the NY HEAT Act. The NY HEAT Act would limit the amount households are forced to pay for energy, alleviate rate hikes like this one, and save the families who need help most an average of $136 each month on their bills. 1 in 4 New Yorkers already can’t afford energy prices — and a clear majority need policies to make life more affordable for them.

Watch the press conference here, and part 2 here.

Earlier this month, Con Ed filed with the Public Service Commission (PSC) to raise rates for gas heating on customers — despite already charging New Yorkers $45 more per month on their energy bills between 2022 and 2025. According to a recent analysis from the Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE), the average cost of heating for Con Ed customers already increased from $205 in 2022 to over $250 in 2025. Now, if this new rate hike is approved, customers will have to pay nearly $300 every month by 2026 - even while the cost of gas supply decreases and when there are cleaner and cheaper alternatives available. If approved, this rate hike will force customers to pay more money to build out pipes and pipelines and to enrich Con Ed shareholders.

 1 in 4 New Yorkers already can’t afford energy prices — and a clear majority need policies to make life more affordable for them.

Following criticism, Governor Hochul said she opposes Con Ed’s proposed rate hike, and the Public Service Commission is now considering an audit into executives’ high compensation packages. But unlike the NY HEAT Act, these announcements do nothing to reduce unaffordable energy costs across the board and won't help lower-income New Yorkers who are already struggling to pay their bills.

“I’m a full-time student who also works full-time to pay the bills. My roommates and I already can’t afford our Con Ed bill, and I don’t know what we’ll do when our bill goes up again. We can’t keep paying more and more for this dirty, outdated system that’s making us sick and causing climate change, especially when there are cleaner, cheaper options available. We need the NYS legislature to pass the NY HEAT Act now!” said Hennessy Garcia, Community Organizer at Sane Energy Project.

"Con Ed's rate hike proposal is a perfect example of why NY HEAT is needed. Con Ed's proposal includes almost $1 billion of spending every year to repair aging, century-old gas infrastructure and expand the utility gas system. Those costs are paid entirely by ratepayers, and they only serve to trap us more tightly into an unaffordable and dirty status quo, instead of making smarter, more cost-effective investments in alternatives that give customers the opportunity to benefit from more affordable, more comfortable, cleaner and healthier options. If we want to make real progress on reining in rate increases for all New Yorkers across the state, we must pass NY HEAT this session," said Senator Liz Krueger, prime sponsor of the NY HEAT Act. 

“New Yorkers are being squeezed by exorbitant utility costs and they're about to get worse. Con Ed has asked for yet another rate hike - which will only deepen the financial strain on hardworking families. Why? Because they continues to use antiquated systems when cleaner, more cost-effective alternatives are available -- and they want you and me to pay for it! It's unconscionable. The NY HEAT Act will change that dynamic. As lead sponsor, I am committed to advancing this bold plan —cutting costs, modernizing our energy infrastructure, and advancing our climate commitments. I am so grateful to all the advocates who have championed energy affordability and a cleaner future,” said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, prime Assembly sponsor of the NY HEAT Act. 

 “In a just society, heat should warm our homes, not burn through our pockets. Con Edison’s relentless rate hikes aren’t just numbers on a bill—they’re a betrayal of working families already struggling to keep the lights on. A system that lets corporate greed set the thermostat is a system rigged against the people. Enough is enough. The NY HEAT Act is not just a legislative fix; it’s a call for justice, a demand for fairness, and a promise to protect the most vulnerable. We cannot allow corporations to decide who stays warm and who is left in the cold. This bill is the only path forward—because New Yorkers deserve affordable, clean energy, and they deserve it now," said Senator Robert Jackson.

NY State Senator John Liu stated, “Once again, Con Edison is proposing yet another exorbitant rate hike, willfully ignoring the tremendous financial hardship it would impose on cash-strapped New Yorkers, many of whom are already behind on their energy bills. The NY HEAT Act would help protect consumers by capping energy costs and steering New York toward a more affordable, sustainable future.”

Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal said: “Utility prices are already high enough, we don’t need ConEd to make them any higher. The financial burden of switching to clean energy should not fall on the backs of energy customers while gas utility executives and shareholders laugh all the way to the bank.  Passing the NY HEAT Act will help low and middle income New Yorkers save money as they switch to clean energy appliances without having to raise rates for those who can’t afford it. Let’s do what’s right for our people, and for our planet by resisting ConEd’s proposed rate hikes and passing the  NY HEAT Act.”

“It is essential that we pass and enact the NY HEAT Act now to ensure that every New Yorker has reliable access to affordable, clean, and sustainable energy,” said State Senator Brian Kavanagh. “Con Edison’s most recent proposed rate hike further demonstrates the critical need to transition away from costly gas infrastructure and invest in alternative sources of energy that are better for the planet and better for New Yorkers who need to heat and cool their homes. No one should be forced to choose between paying their energy bills and paying for food, healthcare, and education.“

"New Yorkers deserve access to energy that is both affordable and environmentally sustainable,” said Assemblymember Grace Lee. “The NY HEAT Act will bring us one step closer to this goal by capping and stabilizing utility prices for New Yorkers, and it will further prepare New York to make the long-overdue switch to a sustainable energy infrastructure. Con Edison trying to once again raise rates for gas heating will force many New Yorkers to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table. It is clear that the time to act is now.”

"As New Yorkers face an acute affordability crisis, ConEd is again proposing a rate increase for gas. Its proposal would cost New Yorkers an average of nearly 18% more per month, meaning their average bill will skyrocket to almost $300 per month on gas alone. Too many tenants in New York already cannot afford their energy bill, while countless homeowners and small business owners don't know how they will afford next month's bill. ConEd doesn't need this money to deliver its services---it said itself in its proposal that the cost of gas has not changed. What is guiding this proposal is yet another attempt to extract more profit from working class New Yorkers. We must pass the NY HEAT Act to prevent utilities from imposing unaffordable rate hikes like this one," said Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani.

"Con Edison's requested rate hikes are outrageous. Business as usual at the Public Service Commission must stop now. The PSC must reject the rate request in its entirety - no compromises. Con Edison's CEO's compensation package exceeds $16 million and the shareholders are doing great with nearly a 12% increase in per share earnings in the third quarter. It's time for the executives and shareholders to bear their fair share, which they are not doing now. They must make the investments needed in the grid, climate change resiliency, and the transition away from fossil fuels. The Legislature must pass the NY HEAT Act this session," said Assemblymember Chris Burdick.

“As the representative of the 68th Assembly District, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of rising energy costs on our community. From East Harlem to Randall’s Island, throughout the Upper East Side and Central Harlem, families are struggling to make ends meet. That’s why I’m proud to co-sponsor the NY HEAT ACT, which will help families across our state by capping utility bills at 6% of income. This legislation is a game-changer for low- and middle-income New Yorkers, who will see up to $75 per month put back into their pockets. But the benefits of the NY HEAT Act don’t stop there. By investing in clean energy and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we can create jobs, stimulate local economies, and improve public health. This legislation is a vital step toward achieving our state’s climate goals and ensuring a sustainable future for all New Yorkers. I’m committed to fighting for the rights of my constituents and all New Yorkers. I urge Governor Hochul to include this critical legislation in her executive budget, so we can make a real difference in the lives of families across our state. Let’s work together to build a brighter, more sustainable future for ourselves, our children, and our community,” said Assembly Member Edward Gibbs.

"The NY HEAT Act is not just about tackling climate change; it's about New York leading the charge towards a sustainable future,” said Assemblymember Micah Lasher. “By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we're not only protecting our environment but also shielding New Yorkers from the ever-increasing costs of gas. This legislation will pave the way for more affordable, cleaner alternatives, and ensure that our state remains at the forefront of climate action while prioritizing the financial well-being of our residents. It's time for New York to set the standard in clean energy."

"Con Ed's current attempt to raise electric and natural gas rates — by 11.4% and 13.3%, respectively — is further proof that we need to enact the NY HEAT Act now. New Yorkers have been hit time and again by exorbitant rate increases, while utility providers have declared record profits. From seniors on fixed incomes to people with well-paying jobs, my constituents are justifiably furious over their Con Ed bills. The HEAT Act will give them assurance that these increases will be capped, as we continue our progress toward a renewable energy future in New York State," said Assembly Member MaryJane Shimsky.

Assemblymember Emily Gallagher said, “New York State is facing converging crises—the cost of living is out of control, extreme weather is on the rise, and the federal government is cutting critical funding New Yorkers depend on for basic services. This is the moment for bold action. We must pass the NY Heat Act to cap energy costs and provide an off-ramp to a future that isn’t dependent on fossil fuels.” “The NY HEAT Act is a powerful tool allowing New York to fight the climate crisis and address the cost of living for working class New Yorkers,” said Assemblymember Tony Simone. “ConEd is seeking another unsustainable price hike to maintain our state’s obsolete and unnecessarily expensive gas pipelines. With this act, we will be able to expedite our state’s transition off of expensive, fracked natural gas, lower the cost of living for New Yorkers, and modernize how we heat our homes.”

“We need to stop building out fossil fuel infrastructure in New York State, and residents certainly shouldn’t be subsidizing this. The NY Heat Act is a necessary measure that will both help New Yorkers be able to afford their utility bill and help our efforts to combat climate change,” said Assembly Member Bobby Carroll. 

“Con Edison’s effort to raise energy costs yet again will hurt New Yorkers at a critical time. We must respond by passing the NY HEAT Act in this year’s budget. I’m proud to support this legislation, which will both lower utility bills and help reduce emissions,” said Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright.

"We are all suffering as a result of Con Ed's endless rate increases. Despite having solar panels on my home, I also find myself paying delivery charges that are all out of proportion to the amount of energy my household consumes. I am proud to stand with my colleagues and other stakeholders to call on the Public Service Commission to reject this new request for a rate increase, and I will continue to work to pass legislation that will rein in our utility costs," said Assembly Member Dana Levenberg. 

"New Yorkers are already struggling under the weight of rising costs, and yet another utility rate hike will only deepen the financial strain on low-income and environmental justice communities. While fossil fuel corporations continue to profit, our communities are left to bear the burden of skyrocketing energy bills. This is exactly why we need lawmakers to pass the NY HEAT Act—to protect families from excessive utility costs and transition toward an affordable, clean energy future. The time for action is now,” said Cameron Clarke, NY HEAT Campaign Coordinator, WE ACT for Environmental Justice.

“New Yorkers are suffering under skyrocketing energy bills. The idea of paying even more, all to fund the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure, is outrageous,” said Laura Shindell, New York State Director at Food & Water Watch. “For years, we’ve called for lower energy costs and cleaner heat. It’s never been more important for state leaders to champion NY HEAT — the only bill that delivers on both.”

Background

According to the analysis from AGREE, since 2022, every major gas utility in New York State has raised the cost of energy for their customers:

• For Con Edison customers, the average monthly cost of gas heating has increased by nearly $50 since 2022 — from $205 to $253.
• For National Grid customers in NYC, the average monthly cost of gas heating has increased by more than $60 between 2023 and 2026 — from $110 to $172. For National Grid customers in Long Island, the average monthly cost of gas heating will increase by nearly the same amount — from $105 to $165.
• For Central Hudson customers, the average monthly cost of gas heating has increased more than $20 since 2022— from $138 to $157.
• For National Fuel Gas customers, the average monthly cost of gas heating has increased by nearly $15 — from $81 to $94 — since just 2023.

As of September 2024, approximately 1 in 7 households in New York was two months or more behind on their energy bills. This crisis is impacting more than 1.2 million families, who are collectively in debt more than $1.3 billion dollars to utilities.

The Home Energy Affordable Transition Act, also known as the NY HEAT Act, will reduce the expansion of New York’s outdated and dangerous fracked gas system and save the 1 in 4 New Yorkers who struggle to pay their energy bills an average of $136 every month. The bill modernizes archaic state laws that force New Yorkers to pay hundreds of millions of dollars each year to subsidize new fracked gas hookups and pipelines. It would limit households’ energy burdens and would allow utilities to provide cheaper and clean heating alternatives at no additional cost to customers – a win-win for New Yorkers and the environment. 

The NY HEAT Act will also free New Yorkers from the gas mandate (also known as “the utility obligation to serve gas”), an antiquated state law that locks utilities, and consequently the vast majority of New Yorkers, into the dirty, expensive, aging gas system for heat. Because of the gas mandate, one home that wants to stay on the gas system can be the deciding factor for an entire neighborhood that would otherwise have the opportunity to receive cheaper, cleaner heating alternatives from their utility. The NY HEAT Act would require utilities to provide easy access to the most affordable and healthier heating options for their families.

According to a Siena Poll, New Yorkers agree by an overwhelming 58% to 26% that the legislature should pass the NY HEAT Act. Support for the NY HEAT Act is popular across party lines, with 67% of Democrats, 47% of Republicans, and 55% of independents agreeing it should pass. The bill is also popular with 60% of upstate voters, 55% of union households, and across income groups. 74% of Black voters and 70% of Latino voters also support the legislation. An even larger share, 51 - 17%, said that lawmakers did not do enough to improve the quality of life during last year’s legislative session.

State action against climate change is crucial as Trump takes office and vows to go all-in on fossil fuels. 2024 was the hottest year on record, and New Yorkers experienced wildfires, flooding, and tornadoes. The NY HEAT Act will help New York fight climate change and it will protect New Yorkers from an unpredictable Trump administration by helping to stabilize heat and energy prices.

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