All of us have been encountering staggering bills for electricity. Recently, Con Edison has petitioned the Public Service Commission to allow them to increase rates an additional 18% for electricity and 19.1% for natural gas. This increase is for the delivery of the electricity (wiring infrastructure) and not for the electricity itself.

It is anticipated that if approved, this increase in charges would amount to approximately $26 per month per average household. The Town Board feels that this increase is exorbitant, and will place a severe financial strain on many of our residents. Accordingly, the Town Board, on behalf of our residents, will be joining a coalition of 20 other Westchester communities, fighting this rate increase.

This group will engage legal counsel with experience in such matters. The legal costs, shared equally between all 20 communities, has been capped at $5000 per community. Fighting alone, the Town of Cortlandt would have little chance of success against this proposed rate hike. However, working cooperatively with many of the communities surrounding our town, we will have a larger and more effective voice.

Meanwhile, we encourage citizens to express their concerns directly to the PSC. There will be two virtual public hearings and information for these is provided below.