Many citizens are still reeling from the shock of the hefty bills from this past winter as the utility company Con Edison has once again proposed an increase in electricity rates. The surge in energy prices has prompted many people to seek help on platforms like Reddit, TikTok, and Facebook, sparking widespread attention.
Gothamist conducted interviews with Con Edison, state government officials, and grassroots advocacy groups to analyze the components of electricity bills and strategies for saving, as well as to provide guidance for residents who are struggling to pay their bills.
Con Edison’s bills are mainly comprised of three parts: taxes and surcharges, electricity supply costs, and delivery charges.
Why were last winter’s bills exceptionally high? — With an average winter temperature of only 34.8 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 1.5°C), it marked a new low in the past decade. The cold weather necessitated prolonged operation of heating systems, leading to a significant increase in electricity consumption.
What should you do if your bill seems unusually high? — You can proactively contact the utility company to inquire about your bill details, starting with Con Edison or National Grid to determine if your household is subject to a “shared meter.” You can request a meter test, although actual meter malfunctions are rare. If the utility company’s response is unsatisfactory, you can file a complaint with the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) at www.dps.ny.gov or by calling 800-342-3355.
What if you can’t afford to pay your bill? — If your bill is accurate but you still have difficulty paying, consider the following options:
1. Apply for a payment plan: Con Ed offers various payment plans and deferred payment options to prevent disconnection due to non-payment. You can also consider enrolling in the Energy Affordability Program (EAP) that provides electricity bill assistance to low-income users.
2. Apply for government assistance: New York State offers heating and cooling assistance programs, and you can find relevant links at https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/.
3. Seek help from your elected representatives: City council members and borough offices have constituent service units that can assist residents in communicating with utility companies. You can find contact information at https://reurl.cc/XARdn3 or bit.ly/3GhJr0x.
These resources and strategies aim to help residents navigate through the challenges of managing their electricity bills amidst rising energy costs.