...Take Con Ed’s Power By Giving Options: Pol...

By JAMES J. PARZIALE

In response to a proposed rate hike by Con Edison, local politicians are telling the power company to take a hike.

At the forefront of this battle is Assemblyman Mike Gianaris (D-Astoria), who has proposed legislation that he feels would rectify an unwarranted increase to borough residents and businesses after last July’s crippling blackout in Northwest Queens. The proposed rate inflation wouldn’t take place until April 2008, but Gianaris and others are stupefied at Con Ed’s gall and lack of responsibility. They feel dumping the burden on consumers is outlandish.

“I would say it adds insult to injury, but that understates it,” Gianaris said. “One thing that has been obvious since last summer is that they don’t feel accountable to the people they serve.”

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