Power & Politics: Proposed Con Ed rate hikes, home flood risks, Trump weighs in on Lawler's reelection bid

This weekend's guests include Westchester Legislature Chair Vedat Gashi, Regional Plan Association's Moses Gates and Robert Freudenberg.

Jonathan Gordon

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May 11, 2025, 4:25 PM

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Updated yesterday

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Con Edison Proposed Rate Hikes

The Westchester County Board of Legislators condemned Con Edison's proposed double-digit increases for gas and delivery rates during a charged bipartisan “Committee of the Whole” meeting earlier this week.

The Board also announced that it will hold a series of community listening sessions in local municipalities around the county to give the public an opportunity to express their views on Con Edison’s proposed rate hikes, which, if approved, would spike energy bills for residential customers by an average of 11.4% for electricity and 13.3% for gas by 2026.

In March, the Board began formal action against Con Edison by becoming a party to the major rate case in New York state alongside Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins.

Despite the invitation, Con Edison representatives declined to attend the meeting.

A spokesperson for Con Edison responded in a statement:

“Con Edison appreciates the perspectives of the Westchester Board of Legislators, community stakeholders, and all customers on our proposed investment plan. The formal review process, conducted by the Public Service Commission, is currently underway and allows stakeholders to participate directly in the proceeding, with multiple opportunities for public comments on the proposal for the record. We encourage all stakeholders to utilize that process for engagement on this open proceeding.

We are acutely aware of the issue of affordability, which is why last year we provided $300 million in discounts to about 460,000 low-income residential customers. To the extent the process results in a change in rates, low-income customers will be automatically protected through an increase in the bill discounts they receive.

Nearly 27 percent of the proposed electric revenue increase and 14.5 percent of the proposed gas revenue increase result from the estimated property taxes on energy infrastructure our customers will pay in 2026. We welcome the opportunity to work with policy makers on directing that tax revenue back to low-income customers to provide bill relief or support clean energy programs.

We also have a responsibility to continue safely and efficiently delivering the nation’s most reliable electric service. That means fortifying the grid against increasingly severe weather, supporting the state’s clean energy goals and maintaining the workforce we need to conduct ongoing maintenance and swiftly respond to customer service calls.”

Report: Westchester homes at risk of flooding

More than 12,000 homes in Westchester could be lost to flooding by 2040, according to a new report.

The study from the Regional Plan Association examined the long-term impacts of rising sea levels and storms, spotlighting areas like Larchmont, Mamaroneck, and Rye along the Sound Shore. It suggests where changes are needed to mitigate risks.

"We've essentially developed into places that are meant to flood historically, so when you look at Westchester, you see a lot of homes at risk in floodplain on rivers and streams and that's the kind of thing that we're looking at that we need to make better decisions about moving forward," Regional Plan Association's Rob Freudenberg said.

The study recommends building higher-density housing away from flood zones, near businesses and mass transit.

Trump on NY-17

In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump backed Rep. Mike Lawler for his reelection bid for New York's 17th Congressional District.

The endorsement comes as Lawler weighs the possibility of running as the Republican candidate for New York governor.

"Congressman Mike Lawler is a Strong Champion, and Highly Effective Representative, for the Great People of New York’s 17th Congressional District! A true America First Patriot, Mike is fighting hard to Secure our Border, Grow our Economy, Create Jobs, Lower Taxes, Promote American Energy DOMINANCE, Support our Brave Military/Veterans and Law Enforcement, Defend our always under siege Second Amendment. Additionally, he is endlessly working to get the maximum SALT Deduction! Mike is doing an outstanding job representing the Hudson Valley, and all of New York. Because of the excellent job he is doing, Mike has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election to New York’s 17th Congressional District – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Lawler's campaign responded in a statement.

“Congressman Lawler is grateful for the President’s support and appreciates his commitment towards addressing issues important to New York, including lifting the cap on SALT, combating antisemitism, securing the border, and growing the economy. As Congressman Lawler has said repeatedly, he will make a decision on running for Governor in June.”