Living as I do in last summer's "blackout zone," I'm probably more anti-Con Ed than most, but... Following the blackout, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has ordered a "prudence hearing" to determine if Con Ed should have taken steps (such as building a better infrastructure) to prevent the blackout from happening. Despite having one of the most outmoded grids in the country, and charging the highest rates in the continental U.S., Con Ed claims they did nothing wrong. Meanwhile, they want to raise your rates by 17%. Fortunately, groups such as the ad hoc organization "Western Queens Power for the People" ("PFP", online at www.powerforthepeople.info) aren't letting Con Ed get away with it. And you can help. Click "Read More" to see how... On Monday, May 21, Con Ed is holding their stockholders' meeting at their corporate headquarters, 4 Irving Place (near Union Square). PFP, along with other groups, will be picketing to demonstrate strong opposition to the largest rate hike in history at a time when Con Ed is making millions in profits (1st quarter profits were $256 million -- up 41% from last year!) and falling behind in modernizing their infrastructure. It's time to make sure Con Ed pays the bills for a change. Join PFP on Monday, May 21, from 5-7 p.m.