The New York State Public Service Commission ordered Con Edison to pay customers $18 million dollars for their shoddy service and for not complying with requirements. Con Ed failed to meet conditions that would ensure good service to its rate payers, but does $18 million even begin to cover their actions? Many people think not, especially if they live in Westchester, Queens and the Upper East Side.
From The New York Times:
Councilman Eric N. Gioia, who represents much of the area affected by the blackout, said:
I am disappointed that Con Ed was not fined more. This money is nothing in relation to what the people of Queens endured. When a devastating power outage like the one in Queens threatens lives, hurts businesses, and affects hundreds of thousands of people, Con Edison needs to be held to the highest levels of accountability. They are still getting away with poor service at high prices.
Assemblyman Richard L. Brodsky, a Westchester Democrat who oversees commissions and authorities, and who had urged the Public Service Commission to scrutinize Con Edison, said in a statement:
Today’s fine is a pittance compared to the damage Con Ed has caused by its unreliable service. At a time when the company is reporting record profits, we are not satisfied with receiving only a small fraction of the scrutiny that we have requested. We will continue to investigate Con Edison’s service reliability and quality, and we will continue to work to reverse the harms that electric deregulation has caused to New Yorkers. The P.S.C. had walked away from its legal duty to ensure adequate, safe and reliable electric service at affordable prices in this state, and the committee will bring transparency and accountability into the manner in which the electric industry was deregulated.
The Commission that slapped Con Ed on the wrist is also initially backing the utility's request for a large rate hike next year. $18 million is a lot of money to ordinary folks, but Con Ed takes in billions of dollars every year. Even though the P.S.C. only granted half of what they wanted, $618 million in increases is still a hefty sum. Before they even think of getting that formally approved, Con Ed needs to do more than talk, they need to physically fix the problems they create, whether it involves storms or man-made explosions.
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