Dominican barber in Queens faces $6,000 electricity bill as Con Edison costs threaten his business

A Dominican barber in Queens, New York, says soaring electricity bills are putting his nearly 20-year-old business at risk after a monthly bill that typically averaged about $500 rose to more than $6,000. Julio Suárez, owner of Enrique’s Barber Shop in Astoria, says the unexpected charges have left him struggling to keep the business open.

Suárez told Impremedia that one bill reached $6,722, while a subsequent bill exceeded $3,000. He said he has already paid more than $10,000 toward the charges, including approximately $2,000 to have his electricity reconnected after Con Edison disconnected service over unpaid bills.

The barber, who employs nearly 10 people, said customer traffic has dropped by more than 50%, adding to the financial pressure. He also expressed concern that other small businesses in the neighborhood are facing similar difficulties as operating costs rise and some Hispanic customers stay away.

Con Edison said it reviewed Suárez’s account and found no billing errors or unusually high charges. The company added that he had been offered multiple payment plans over the past two years and encouraged customers experiencing financial difficulties to contact the utility about available assistance programs.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s office said she had directed the state Department of Public Service to examine the matter. State officials also pointed to initiatives intended to improve affordability and oversight of utility companies. The Department of Public Service urged customers whose complaints are not resolved by their providers to file a formal complaint with the agency.