I’m reaching out today regarding the spike in home energy costs that New York City is experiencing.

Recently, New York City residents began reporting that their January electricity bills had doubled or even tripled from the previous month. Con Edison, New York City’s energy provider, has stated that the price hikes are the result of an increase in the cost of their energy supply, namely natural gas, that they rely on to provide electricity. Regardless of the cause, no one should have to decide between keeping the lights on or buying groceries, especially amidst this public health emergency and during the winter months. You can rest assured that as your Representative in Congress, I am working to address this issue immediately.

I recently cosigned a Congressional letter calling on Rory M. Christian, Chair and CEO of the New York State Public Service Commission, to investigate the surge in prices. I also joined an effort urging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to use its existing regulatory authority to ensure that households’ energy bills are not unfairly driven up by the wholesale natural gas markets that Con Edison relies on to supply New York City with electricity. We must hold wholesalers accountable to make sure they are not putting excessive profit ahead of consumers.

If you are experiencing higher than normal electric bills, you may contact Con Edison by calling 1-800-752-6633. You may also qualify for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), a federally funded program that helps low-income homeowners and renters pay for utility and heating bills. For more information on how to apply, you may call 1-212-331-3126. You would like further assistance regarding this issue, you may also contact my office by calling 718-358-6364.

Sincerely,
Grace Meng
Member of Congress