Public Power New York will host New York’s first Utility Ripoff Hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 6, bringing Brooklyn residents and energy advocates together to examine rising utility costs, reliability concerns and the structure of the state’s energy system.
The event will take place from 6:00-7:30pm at the Amphitheater at Herbert Von King Park, 670 Lafayette Ave. in Brooklyn. Speakers include City Council Member Chi Ossé and state Sen. Jabari Brisport, along with energy organizers, experts and utility customers who will share their experiences with Con Edison and National Grid. The event is organized by the Public Power New York coalition.
The hearing comes as energy affordability remains a concern for New York households. A 2026 New York City Council resolution cited rising electricity and natural gas costs and noted that the Public Service Commission approved multiyear rate changes for National Grid and Con Edison.
The resolution said National Grid’s downstate gas rate plan would increase average natural gas costs for New York City customers by about 10.5% annually over three years, while Con Edison’s approved plan would increase average electricity costs by about 2.8% annually and natural gas costs by about 2% annually.
For Brooklyn residents, the issue is particularly relevant because National Grid provides natural gas service in Brooklyn, while Con Edison serves many city customers with electricity and other utility services.
A central feature of the hearing will be testimony from utility customers, along with presentations explaining how New York’s energy system operates and information about energy affordability programs and other resources.
Public Power New York will also outline its campaign for greater public ownership of energy infrastructure and expanded publicly owned renewable energy.
The Oct. 6 event will give Brooklyn residents an opportunity to hear directly from speakers, share their experiences and learn about ways to participate in the broader public-power campaign.
