Consolidated Edison Charges Some of the Highest Electricity Rates in the Nation

According to new federal government data, Consolidated Edison's (Con Ed) residential electricity prices in 2012 were again one of the highest charged by any major U.S. electric utility.

The company's 2.1 million residential customers in New York City and Westchester paid an average 25.65 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2012that is 115.9% over the national average price of 11.88 cents per kWh, according to data published Friday by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

As measured by the EIA, Con Ed's residential prices have long been among the nation's highest.

Outside of Alaska, Hawaii and several small islands off the New England coast, only two utilities charged more than Con Ed last year: The Bayfield Electric Cooperative in Michigan, which has 67 customers, charged an average 28.32 cents per kWh, and the Bear Valley Electric Service in California, with 21,905 customers, charged 27.80 cents per kWh, the EIA data shows.

Officials at Con Ed note that up to 25% of customer bills are taxes and fees imposed by various levels of government.

"We run one of the most complex and reliable electrical delivery systems in the world. We invest in that system on a continuing basis to maintain the reliable service our customers need. At the same time, we aggressively manage our costs to protect our customersa challenge, since New York is an expensive place to do business," the company said.

Con Ed is asking New York regulators to grant a rate increase of about 4%, which would take effect in January. Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the staff of the state Public Service Commission are pushing to lower the company's prices.

The state Public Service Commission is expected to issue a decision on the case in December. It is possible a decision could come sooner, in the form of a settlement between Con Ed and the state.