Push for Public Power in New York City

There’s a growing interest in taking power back from privatized energy companies in New York City. Mayor Mamdani, alongside his Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) supporters, is advocating for collective control of the city’s energy resources.

Astoria City Council member Alexis Avilés recently criticized the rising costs of energy bills, attributing them to privatized companies. He even referenced Bad Bunny’s comments about Puerto Rico’s failing energy grid during the Super Bowl halftime show, emphasizing the urgency for public power in NYC. “New York City DSA is fighting to make public power a reality,” Avilés stated.

In a video from the DSA, Avilés made a connection to Puerto Rico, noting that privatization led to issues such as union busting, skyrocketing energy prices, and frequent blackouts. He remarked that similar problems are occurring in New York, with privatized companies continually raising bills.

Con Edison, the main electricity supplier, holds a virtual monopoly over the city’s electricity, serving almost all of it. “That’s why we’re pushing for public power,” Avilés added, encouraging a shift away from Con Edison and back to community control.

However, some critics argue that comparing Puerto Rico’s energy issues to those in New York diminishes the seriousness of the crisis faced by the island. Former New York City Councilman Joe Borelli pointed out that Puerto Rico is experiencing significant governance failures that have led to extreme electricity costs. He questioned whether NYC operates more effectively than the private sector, even joking that Bad Bunny might be a better choice to manage it.

Con Edison serves around 3.6 million customers across the five boroughs and parts of Westchester. Mayor Mamdani has been vocal about rising electricity prices since his campaign and aligns closely with the DSA’s mission to nationalize energy control.

The DSA initially proposed public energy back in 2021, with Mamdani at the forefront of the movement. In an early campaign video, he criticized monopolistic practices that keep energy rates among the highest in the country, advocating for a system that prioritizes public good over profit.

In response to the DSA’s claims, Con Edison noted that a significant portion of customer bills is due to high property taxes needed for infrastructure. They rejected the notion that a government-run energy service could operate better or at a lower cost, asserting that New York’s power system is among the most reliable in the nation, requiring ongoing investment.

The company emphasized that it does not generate its own electricity but purchases it on the wholesale market, a situation that would not significantly change under a government takeover.