Study Says Con Edison Charging Double for Gas Delivery, Compared to National Grid

By:  Serach Nissim

Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres said that his office has conducted a new study on energy prices, and the results are shocking.  The analysis studied gas bills from multifamily homes this year and last year.  As reported by the NY Post, Torres’ office found higher prices in all the areas served by Con Edison —including the Bronx, Manhattan and part of Queens, citing “hidden overcharges.”  The results of the study revealed that Con Edison charges nearly 100% more for gas delivery to some Big Apple customers compared to its competitor National Grid.  Average delivery costs per thermal unit of gas were $1.29 in the Bronx; in Manhattan it was $1.01 and in the part of Queens served by Con Edison it was 92 cents, as per the study.

Team Torres conducted an investigation exposing price-gouging on the part of ConEd. We found that ConEd is charging 100% more for gas delivery than National Grid.

For more information, watch @News12BX: pic.twitter.com/JjawZVqGpw

— Ritchie Torres (@RitchieTorres) August 22, 2024

By contrast, National Grid charges an average delivery cost of 54 cents per thermal unit, and its Queens customers paid 45 cents, per the study, which did not take Staten Island into account.  “The following report concludes there is nothing remotely just and reasonable about the delivery rates Con Ed  is charging the customers of the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens,” Torres said in a statement.

does anyone know why @ConEdison has literally doubled the price of electricity over 2 years? nothing in the bill breakdown even shows the increase, just that it costs more. pic.twitter.com/TrpBLw6uzZ

— brynn (@kinematografi) August 20, 2024

Torres, 36, has since 2021 represented New York’s 15th congressional district, which includes most of the South Bronx and which is arguably the poorest congressional district in the country.  Torres, a Democrat who previously served as a member of the city council from 2014 to 2020, is now demanding the state’s Public Service Commission to investigate the “inexplicable disparities.”  The commission’s job is to regulates and oversees gas, electric and water industries in NYS.

“When a state-sanctioned monopoly abuses its power to overcharge the public, compounding the crippling cost of inflation, the burden falls on both the Governor and the Public Service Commission to act swiftly to protect the hard-earned dollars of New Yorkers from predatory price-gouging,” Torres told The Post.

I am set to unveil an investigative exposé showing that Con Edison—which has a state-sanctioned monopoly on gas service in the Bronx, Manhattan, and parts of Queens—charges 100% more for gas delivery than National Grid. pic.twitter.com/37y5QdLr8Y

— Ritchie Torres (@RitchieTorres) August 18, 2024

Con Ed customers were appalled by the findings.  “I am very unhappy. I didn’t know how bad it was,” said Wardean D. Squire-Askew, a retired construction manager living in the Tremont.  “Every time you turn around ConEd increases the [fees].”

Bronx landlord Ardon Wiener, who helped the Post review the data, said the main problem was inefficiency at Con Ed.  “Con Ed is run significantly less efficiently than National Grid and the consumer picks up those inefficiency costs and therefore the consumer pays a significant premium for an equivalent service, providing gas for heating and cooking,” said Wiener, who donated $6,100 to Torres’ campaign in 2023, per records.

@ConEdison WHY is my bill so high?! WHY is it impossible to speak to a rep about this?! HOW do you expect me to pay this in a week?! Did I accidentally sign up for something I shouldn’t have? There’s no fucking way this is legit. Not I’m my shitty 2Br/1Ba!
WTF pic.twitter.com/DjYVUYxJ3w

— Lara Gad (@gad_lara) August 19, 2024

Con Ed commented saying it was providing a superior product and making investments in safety and “clean energy.”  The energy giant did not deny the price discrepancies.  “Energy delivery rates vary from utility to utility for many reasons, including the level of service, customers’ needs, the characteristics of the area and when new rates take effect. As we move from fossil fuels to clean energy, we are investing about $1 billion a year to keep our gas system safe. We replace 80 miles of cast-iron and steel main annually, conduct monthly leak patrols and are installing a first-of-its kind gas detector in customers’ homes and businesses, an enormous step forward for safety. We encourage reforms that reduce natural gas consumption and provide customers with clean energy alternatives.” Con Edison said in a statement.

Con Edison charging 100% more for gas delivery than National Grid: study https://t.co/GE0qCU9oAS pic.twitter.com/Qg3Y1sQKY5

— New York Post Metro (@nypmetro) August 17, 2024