Upset New Yorkers Fume As Con Edison Bills Skyrocket

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Con Edison prospects are feeling the financial squeeze. They’re seeing will increase of as much as 300% of their gasoline and electrical payments this month.

Metropolis and state leaders are demanding an investigation, however the utility instructed CBS2’s Christina Fan on Wednesday greater vitality prices are responsible.

When Alex Rivas opened his January electrical energy invoice for his three-bedroom condominium in Lengthy Island Metropolis he was certain there needed to be a clerical error. His typical $260 month-to-month assertion almost tripled to $746.

“I opened up the invoice on Saturday and my first thought was this should truly be a mistake. I used to be truly out of city for a number of days within the month of January, reached out to a pal of mine who was house-sitting to ask if he had began a Bitcoin mine or an unlawful marijuana farm,” Rivas mentioned.

READ MORE: Con Edison Asks State Regulators For Utility Charge Hikes

In Williamsburg, Adam Wiesehan’s invoice jumped from $200 to $400 for a 500 square-foot house.

All throughout the town, households are distressed, baffled, and struggling to pay.

“We have now a new child, so we’re going to need to make some sacrifices this month,” Wiesehan mentioned.

Con Edison says rising costs are on account of growing provide prices and a spokesperson mentioned that the utility buys pure gasoline on the wholesale market and supplies it to prospects on the similar worth it paid.

“Present international occasions have had affect on pure gasoline. Pure gasoline is a significant driver of electrical energy prices,” Con Ed spokesperson Jamie McShane mentioned.

“I don’t actually perceive how that’s potential. Pure gasoline costs didn’t improve by 160%,” Rivas mentioned.

READ MORE: Con Edison: 2 Folks Electrically Shocked Whereas Strolling Canine In Greenpoint

Metropolis leaders argue the corporate ought to have safeguards in place to guard towards market volatility. Greater than a dozen council members and state Sen. Michael Gianaris despatched letters to the Public Service Fee, demanding an investigation.

“We must always ask who’re their suppliers? What sort of contract did they enter into and why is it that they permit for these dramatic value shifts to happen?” Gianaris mentioned.

The Public Service Fee mentioned in an announcement it “doesn’t regulate commodity or provide costs; they’re pushed by international provide and demand.”

In the meantime, households say till costs stabilize, they’ll need to be taught to acclimate to freezing temperatures of their houses.

Con Edison mentioned it does have long- and short-term contracts with suppliers to attempt to scale back prices for purchasers. The utility mentioned it expects decrease costs within the weeks forward.