Sen. Charles Schumer is fighting a federal energy decision that he says could cost city residents more than half-a-billion dollars in additional electric costs.
Schumer has asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to reverse its decision to exclude lower-cost plants from selling electricity in New York, in favor of companies with older, less efficient plants.
At a press conference outside the Con-Edison plant on 14th street and Avenue C in Manhattan Sunday, Schumer said the government's decision would protect the bottom lines of the older plants, but not protect their customers.
"In these difficult times when middle class incomes are being squeezed, the last thing people need is $9 more a month, over $100 more a year on their electric bill," Schumer said.
The senator is calling for another hearing on the issue.
