A public hearing in Westchester drew strong opposition to proposed rate hikes from Con Edison.

The State Public Service Commission held the hearing as Con Ed seeks an 11% increase for electric service and a 13% increase for gas next year.

Residents and local leaders said the hikes would place an unfair burden on families and small businesses.

"We have people who are barely getting by, they are working day to day, just trying to provide for their family," said Westchester County Legislator James Nolan. "The astronomical rates they are trying to put on people, it's absurd. I urge the Public Service Commission to reject these rate hikes."

A Con Ed spokesperson said they understand the concerns and noted that part of the increase is due to new property taxes on energy infrastructure for customers.