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White Plains joins regional discussion on Con Edison delivery increase; council told pooled counsel would cost about $2,000–$5,000
Summary
Council heard a staff update that Westchester municipalities are considering a pooled legal contribution to hire counsel with Public Service Commission expertise in response to a proposed Con Edison delivery-rate increase.
City staff reported to the White Plains Common Council on March 31 that Con Edison has proposed a substantial increase in delivery charges for residential electric service and that Westchester municipal officials are exploring pooling funds to retain counsel experienced before the New York State Public Service Commission.
According to the staff update, the Westchester Municipal Officials Executive Committee discussed a proposed pooled contribution of approximately $5,000 per community, with an initial $2,000 deposit to get representation started and an estimated additional $3,000 later depending on participation and actual costs. The staff member noted that Con Edison serves Manhattan, the Bronx and Westchester and that rate distribution across the network — not just the headline percentage increase — is an important issue for Westchester municipalities.
A council member asked whether the Public Service Commission is final in rate determinations; staff said the PSC is the relevant authority and the pooled counsel would help represent municipal interests in the PSC proceeding. The staff member said most communities expected to participate but Bedford may be less affected because many of its residents are in a different utility territory.
No formal council appropriation or vote to join the pooled retainer was recorded at the meeting; the update was informational and council members reacted favorably to the idea.
