More than 200 New Yorkers gathered Tuesday at Herbert Von King Park in Brooklyn for a public hearing on utility costs, service problems and proposals to expand public ownership of the energy system.
The event, organized by Public Power NY, brought together Bedford-Stuyvesant residents, community advocates and elected officials to discuss concerns about Con Edison and National Grid.
Residents described high utility bills, difficulties resolving billing disputes and power outages during extreme weather. Some also said they had received charges during periods when their homes were unoccupied.
“New Yorkers are fed up with paying higher utility bills every month just for ConEd and National Grid shareholders to get richer. Electricity is a necessity, not a luxury. It’s time New York runs it as the public good that it is,” said Alex Patterson, campaign coordinator for Public Power NY.
Council Member Chi Ossé, Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha, Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon and state Sen. Jabari Brisport attended the hearing and discussed utility concerns raised by constituents. Speakers also called for greater public oversight of energy infrastructure and rates.
The hearing focused on a proposal to move toward publicly owned energy infrastructure and increase investment in renewable power. Organizers said public ownership could give communities greater control over rates, infrastructure decisions and energy planning. They cited more than 2,000 publicly or municipally owned utilities nationwide as examples of alternative ownership models.
The discussion also highlighted a proposal in the Hudson Valley to establish a nonprofit public power authority as an alternative to Central Hudson. Shrestha has supported that effort, which organizers presented as a possible model for other communities in New York.
Public Power NY is urging residents to submit comments to Gov. Kathy Hochul and the New York Power Authority in support of developing 15 gigawatts of publicly owned renewable energy. Organizers say the proposal could help stabilize electricity costs, create union jobs and expand public control of energy infrastructure.
The Brooklyn hearing is part of a broader campaign for changes to New York's energy system. Organizers said they plan to continue public outreach and encourage residents to participate in discussions about utility affordability, reliability, renewable energy and public ownership.
