Attorney General James Takes Action to Protect Consumers from Unexpectedly High Energy Bills

 

Numerous Con Edison Customers Reported Sharp and Unexpected Increases on Their Utility Bills

AG James Requests Explanation from Con Edison Over High Energy Bills

 New York Attorney General Letitia James took action to protect consumers from unexpectedly high energy bills from Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (Con Edison). In a letter to Con Edison, Attorney General James requested an explanation for the unexpected spike in utility bills last month that affected thousands of New Yorkers primarily in New York City and Westchester County. Many New York City consumers filed complaints with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) saying that their Con Edison bills for January 2022 were significantly higher than they were in the prior billing cycle, with some consumers reporting bills that were as much as three times greater even though their consumption remained the same.

“Hardworking New Yorkers shouldn’t have to make sacrifices to keep the lights on or to stay warm during the coldest months of the winter,” said Attorney General James. “My office is calling on Con Edison to explain the unexpected increases in last month’s bills that affected thousands of New Yorkers. We are also demanding that the company communicate rate increases early on so New Yorkers know what to expect when they open their energy bill. Utility companies have a responsibility to make sure consumers’ bills are fair and accurate, and my office is determined to hold them to that standard.”

Con Edison supplies energy for millions of New Yorkers. In some cases reported to OAG, the total amount due on some bills was two or even three times higher than in the previous billing cycle. One customer saw their bill jump from around $200 in December to more than $400 in January. Consumers have stated that the sudden change on their bills could not be explained by increased energy use alone. Consumers have also stated that they received no advance warning from Con Edison about the rate increase. For many consumers, this rate increase is so large that they may have difficulty meeting their monthly expenses. One consumer wrote, “We are a working family with an infant living in an affordable housing lottery unit, we are struggling to pay childcare, how are families expected to cope with price fluctuations like this?!?!”

Attorney General James has asked Con Edison to explain the sudden and unannounced increase in rates; to commit to providing consumers advance notice of such increases; and to remind consumers of affordability solutions available to them, including deferred payment agreements and/or bill assistance programs.

“Anyone who opened their sky-high utility bill last month knows that the current system is failing New Yorkers,” said New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. “It’s completely unacceptable that New Yorkers are paying significantly more for power while Con Edison brings in surplus profits. Particularly as Con Edison continues to push for rate hikes, we must investigate how to protect New Yorkers from these unreasonable spikes, and l thank Attorney General James for working to get answers and accountability. As we look to the future, we must also transition away from fossil fuel dependence and toward renewable energy.”

“Every Bronxite and New Yorker has a right to affordable basic amenities and access to keeping their lights on no matter what their zip code is,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “Con Edison’s sudden price increases are unacceptable and have caused an unexpected expense to thousands of our most vulnerable residents, leaving them wondering how they will be able to make ends meet. I join Attorney General James in demanding the transparency that we deserve. Con Edison must clearly and effectively communicate rate increases early on. Withholding information from New Yorkers is unacceptable.”

If you are having trouble paying your gas or electric bill, you can reach out to your utility provider to see what kind of assistance you might be eligible for. Con Edison customers can learn about their options on Con Edison’s website.

New Yorkers can also submit a complaint on the OAG's website or call (800) 771-7755 to have a complaint form sent via mail.