(response to WSJ January 31, 2022 Commentary)
By Jason Baker Yonkers Office of Sustainability
Recently, the Empire Center wrote a weak and misinformed commentary on Yonkers’ participation in Sustainable Westchester’s Westchester Power Program without fact, reason or knowledge. The real fact is a proven and reliable program that provides eligible residents the power to choose the variable standard electric supply dictated to them by the utility, or a 100% renewable energy supply achieved by having energy suppliers compete to provide Yonkers residents with the lowest available fixed rate.
When residents move into their homes, what initial choice is given to them in regards to their energy supplier? NONE. In Yonkers, Con Ed provides a default energy supply, making us subject to its variable energy rates that often spike sky high without notice. Yonkers is now providing residents the choice that is right for them. Empire Center wrongfully states Yonkers is outsmarting residents by enrolling them into the program without consent or knowledge. The truth is that Yonkers began publically considering this initiative last winter, hosted numerous community information sessions, public hearings, sent emails, social media posts and direct mailers to residents along with garnering local press coverage with the purpose to inform constituents.
In terms of pricing, again, let’s look at the facts: with Con Edison’s rates spiking in the first half of January, at an average rate of 12 cents/kWh, the same customer would pay $54 for their electricity if they opted out of Westchester Power’s options. At Westchester Power’s default 100% renewable rate of 8.710 cents, that customer would pay $39.19 for the same amount of electricity in a month. Westchester Power also offers an even cheaper “standard” non-renewable supply option that residents may choose at 7.287 cents/kWh. Either way, residents have the choice and can opt out or back in at any time at no cost. The power to choose an electricity supply and pricing is now with residents, not a private utility. Plus, the selected energy supplier is fully vetted by the City, relieving residents of the burden of having to become an energy expert if they were to opt out of Con Edison’s supply and choose an ESCO on their own.
Yonkers is proud of the enormous strides its made to provide for a greener, cleaner city through the enactment of multiple sustainability initiatives, pioneering many and receiving national recognition along the way. While Yonkers is the largest city in New York to enact this program, it certainly is not the first. The third largest city is joining 28 other municipalities in the county offering 100% renewable energy and follows Rochester in their pursuit in providing greater choice for their residents – all through the same enrollment methods. Does the propagandist want to attack them as well?
Some may debate the merits of the Westchester Power program, but misleading and purporting misinformation may be the greatest misstep here, specifically by politically motivated individuals who need to create a platform for themselves. In the world of fake news, it’s too bad the real ‘scam’ here is not believing that residents can make a decision of their own, based on facts and choice, rather than fear and fiction.
Jason Baker
Office of Sustainability
City of Yonkers
