Lenny Lolis emphasizes the need for transparency and fairness in how White Plains residents are enrolled in energy programs like Westchester Power, a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program run by Sustainable Westchester. This program automatically enrolls residents in an electricity supply option—often 100% renewable energy—unless they proactively opt out during designated periods (e.g., most recently from 6/24/2024 to 7/24/2024 for White Plains). If residents do not opt out, they may face higher electricity supply costs compared to ConEdison’s standard rates, as the Westchester Power rates have been higher than ConEdison’s since November 2022. Lenny’s stance is that such opt-out programs can feel like bureaucratic overreach, potentially taking advantage of residents who may not be fully informed. As Mayor, he would advocate for policies that protect taxpayers from being automatically enrolled in programs that could increase costs without clear consent, ensuring residents are not misled by special interests.

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ConEdison Infrastructure Upgrades

ConEdison has been investing heavily in infrastructure upgrades to support increased development and maintain a reliable energy grid in White Plains and surrounding areas. These upgrades include maintaining and expanding the grid to meet growing demand, which is particularly critical in urban areas like White Plains with new development projects. The costs of these upgrades are often passed on to consumers through delivery charges on their ConEdison bills, which cover the maintenance of the grid’s infrastructure. Additionally, a 2023 proposal for delivery rate increases, effective from June 1, 2023, through December 31, 2025, was opposed by the Westchester County Board of Legislators, who argued it disproportionately impacts low-income families and small businesses. These rate hikes are permitted under New York State law to cover delivery and infrastructure investments, but not for the energy supply itself.

Lenny’s platform suggests he would prioritize scrutinizing such cost pass-throughs to ensure they are justified and not unfairly burdening taxpayers. He would likely push for greater transparency in how these upgrades are funded and advocate for measures to mitigate the financial impact on residents, particularly seniors, young families, and municipal workers like police and firefighters who are already strained by high taxes and living costs.

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Recommendations for Residents

To address concerns about high ConEdison bills, residents can:

Check Westchester Power Enrollment: Review your bill to see if you’re enrolled in Westchester Power’s supply program. You can opt out at any time without penalties by visiting sustainablewestchester.org/wp or calling (914) 242-4725.
Compare Rates: Use ConEdison’s rate comparison tool to see how Westchester Power rates stack up against ConEdison’s standard supply rates.
Explore Assistance Programs: ConEdison offers programs like the Energy Affordability Program, Budget Billing, and payment extensions for eligible low-income households, seniors, or those facing financial hardship.

Consider Energy Efficiency: Adopting energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, or participating in programs like OhmConnect to manage usage during peak hours can reduce bills.

If you’d like specific details on how to opt out, compare rates, or explore Lenny’s proposed policies to address these issues, let me know!