WESTCHESTER POWER VS CON EDISON JULY 2024. CON ED RATES TILL LOWER

WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER. AUGUST 7, 2024:

The Town of Greenburgh participates in a Community Energy Program known as Westchester Power. Everyone is enrolled in the ESCO unless you opt out. Once you opt out you are never enrolled back in unless you ask to re-enroll.

Con Ed rates have continued to be lower than the ESCO this month.  If you want to opt out you should e mail [email protected] or call  Sustainable Westchester at 914-242-4725 ext 111. If you are having difficulty opting out please e mail me at [email protected]

This electricity supply program is managed by the local nonprofit Sustainable Westchester on behalf of the 29 participating municipalities in Westchester County.

The program empowers the county and its residents to actively work towards a vision for a healthy and sustainable future by supporting renewable energy. Residents benefit from the fixed price program model that provides cost control assurance on their electric supply charges.

Westchester Power Contract – July 2024 Rate Comparison

The Westchester Power program offers two supply options for 100% Renewable and Standard. These rates are fixed until 10/31/2024.  The rates are going down after October.

As of November 1 Greenburgh is participating in a 50% renewable energy option.  The monthly rate will be 12.18 cent /kWh from November 1, 2024  through November, 2025.  Con Ed rates change each month. The ESCO rates can’t change.

July 2024 Residential Rates

Average Con Edison  11.50 cent kWh

Standard Rate  13.685 cents kWH

WP 100% Renewable 15.449 cent kWh

Below is an approximate electricity cost comparison for a hypothetical Greenburgh

resident in July who consumed 500 kWh of electricity for the month. For information on

how to find the cost comparison for your electricity usage, click here.

– For a Greenburgh resident on the ConEd supply, that customer would have been

charged roughly $57.50 for their electricity supply

– For customers enrolled in Westchester Power under the 100% Renewable fixed

rate, the charge would have been roughly $77.24

– All Westchester Power Standard user’s charge would have been $68.42

Westchester Power is the cornerstone of regional climate action

 

In 2023 alone, program participants Greenburgh residents, in particular, have mitigated approximately 24,900 metric tons of carbondioxide, equivalent to 5,900 gas-powered cars off the road for a year.

 Westchester Power Program Benefits

1. Fixed Rates provide a price cap and insurance against volatile energy market spikes, unlike variable monthly utility rates

2. 100% Renewable Energy at rates competitive to other comparable ESCO products

3. Without Westchester Power, consumer choices are limited to the utility (primarily fossil-fuel-based energy at variable rates), or an ESCO, which can be difficult to navigate and engage in predatory practices.

To learn more about the program, visit sustainablewestchester.org/wp/conedterritory

PAUL FEINER

Greenburgh Town Supervisor

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AUGUST 7 — COUNTY EXECUTIVE LATIMER GIVES PRESTORM BREIFING

Westchester County Executive George Latimer Holds Weather Briefing on Incoming Storm

 

Watch the News Conference Here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoSb0If_3EU

 

(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive George Latimer held a press briefing to address the incoming storm set to impact the region. County emergency responders recommend residents set aside several days’ worth of non-perishable food, water and medicine, and keep other critical supplies on hand like flashlights and batteries in case they are stuck in their homes without power. Residents should also have a “go-bag” ready in case they are asked to evacuate on short notice during an emergency.

Commissioner Richard G. Wishnie of the Department of Emergency Services recommended that residents create an emergency preparedness kit that includes a:

  • Gallon of water per person per day;
  • Three-day supply of canned, packaged or other shelf-stable, ready-to-eat food

foods that can be stored, including ready-to-eat canned meats and fish, protein or fruit bars, dry cereal and granola, peanut butter, nuts, crackers and canned fruit or juice;

  • Manual can opener and eating utensils;
  • Flashlights and batteries;
  • First aid kit;
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio.

Westchester County Health Department Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said: “Before any major storm hits, residents should make a list of their medications, charge their cellphones and laptops, and fill their vehicle gas tanks, too. Residents with oil tanks at home should top off their tanks and tighten the cap to prevent spills. Above-ground tanks should also be strapped to a secure fixture to prevent tipping in case of flooding.”

Amler said food and generator safety are essential during and after any power outage or emergency. The Westchester County Health Department suggests the following tips:

  • Before a storm hits, set your refrigerator to the coldest setting to keep food fresh longer if you lose power.
  • Keep your refrigerator closed as much as possible. Do not assume refrigerated foods are safe.
  • Foods that are fully frozen are safe to use.
  • Foods that have warmed to room temperature for more than two hours or have come into contact with flood waters should be discarded. When in doubt, throw it out.
  • During a prolonged outage, discard these foods if they were not kept below 45 degrees Fahrenheit: meat, poultry, seafood, cold cuts, hot dogs, eggs, cream, sour cream, yogurt, milk, custards, puddings, soft and shredded cheeses, cut fruit, cooked vegetables, pasta, casseroles, unbaked cookie and bread dough, gravy, creamy salad dressings, fish sauces, hoisin sauce, opened spaghetti sauce and garlic in oil.
  • After disposing of spoiled food, disinfect the refrigerator to avoid further contamination.
  • Discard any cans of food that are rusted, dented or open.
  • If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Then, unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have appliances checked by a professional before using them again.
  • Storm clean-up can produce a great deal of garbage, which invites insects and rodents. Store your garbage in watertight, rodent/insect-proof containers with tight-fitting covers.

Commissioner Terrance Raynor of the Department of Public Safety reminded motorists to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary during severe weather.  Flash-flooding can quickly swamp vehicles and put motorists in significant danger.

Raynor said: “Over the years, County Police officers have responded to rescue numerous motorists who have been stranded in rising water when their cars have stalled on flooded roadways. In addition to likely damaging your vehicle, you may also be putting your life at risk.”

Residents and business owners with generators are reminded of the following safety tips:

  • Never run a generator in a basement, garage, porch or carport. Generators produce carbon monoxide that can quickly be lethal indoors.  Only operate a generator outdoors and away from open windows.
  • Do not exceed the rated capacity of your generator. Overloading your generator can damage it and any appliances connected to it. Fire may result.
  • If your generator has a detachable fuel tank, remove it before refilling. If this is not possible, shut off the generator and let it cool before refilling.

If you lose power, call Con Edison or NYS Electric and Gas directly. The phone numbers are: Con Ed power outage or gas and electrical service problems: (800) 75-CONED; NYSEG electricity power outage: (800) 572-1131; NYSEG gas power outage: (800) 572-1121.

Wishnie said families should also consider what additional preparations to make for people with special needs or who care for the elderly, infants or pets. Family members also should plan for how they will communicate if local phone service is not available or is overwhelmed by high demand.

Practical tips on these and other topics can be found at: https://emergencyservices.westchestergov.com/severe-weather

or https://www.ready.gov/

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AUGUST 6 — BROOKLYN BUSINESS OWNER CONVICTED OF OPERATING AN UNLICENSED MONEY TRANSMITTING BUSINESS, BANK FRAUD, MONEY LAUNDERING AND OTHER FELONY CHARGESY

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York
Defendant Maintained Shell Accounts to Conceal $55 Million Used to Purchase Jewelry, Luxury Vehicles and Renovate His Penthouse Apartment on the Upper East Side

A federal jury in Brooklyn today convicted David Motovich of perpetrating a years-long scheme to establish and conceal a massive illegal check-cashing operation.

Motovich was found guilty on 16 counts of an indictment charging him with operating an illegal money transmitting business, failure to file currency transaction reports, bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy to defraud the United States.  The verdict followed a three-week trial before United States District Judge William F. Kuntz, II.  When sentenced, Motovich faces up to 30 years in prison.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Christie M. Curtis, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) and Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), announced the verdict.

“Taken behind the façade of a seemingly legitimate lumber business in Brooklyn, the jury followed the trail of evidence to find an infestation of crimes,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “Motovich operated an illegal money transmitting business that funneled millions of dollars to himself to get rich, evade taxes and fund a lavish lifestyle of luxury cars, jewelry and a spectacular penthouse apartment.  With today’s verdict, the defendant finds there is a very high price to pay for his blatant disregard for the law.”

“David Motovich developed an illicit scheme using his family’s business to launder more than $55 million through construction companies to finance lavish purchases.  For seven years, Motovich funneled his proceeds through falsely named bank accounts to conceal the profits and evade authoritative oversight. Despite his efforts to disrupt our investigation into his unlawful activity, today’s verdict highlights the FBI’s tireless dedication to apprehending criminals who employ fraudulent tactics to fund expensive lifestyles,” stated FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Curtis.

“Motovich made millions from his back office deals, cashing checks for clients who paid more in fees just to know their transactions were hidden from the government.  But we found out.  And although his shady business allowed him to lease a high-end apartment with expensive renovations and luxury cars, today’s verdict will ensure that his next lease is only for a prison cell, no renovations required,” said Thomas M. Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge of IRS CI New York.

As proven at trial, Motovich used his family-run business in the Midwood section of Brooklyn as a front for an illegal, unlicensed check-cashing operation. 

From the second floor of Midwood Lumber on Coney Island Avenue, Motovich offered his services primarily to the owners and operators of construction companies, cashing millions of dollars in checks to fund off-the-books payrolls for those businesses.

 

Motovich’s customers paid a higher fee to Motovich than the fees charged by licensed check cashing businesses because the customers understood that Motovich would not file Suspicious Activity Reports or Currency Transaction Reports for cash transactions in amounts greater than $10,000, as required by federal anti-money laundering statutes.

Motovich supplied his check cashing customers with fraudulent documents that they could use to disguise the transactions as payments by the customers for materials and/or subcontracting work if the customers were audited by the New York State Workers Compensation Board or tax authorities.

In furtherance of his scheme, Motovich created shell companies for the sole purpose of facilitating his illegal check cashing business and instructed his customers to issue checks drawn against their business accounts and make the checks payable to one of the companies.

Motovich then deposited the checks into bank accounts that he created at several financial institutions.  To conceal his control and ownership of the funds in the accounts, and to avoid detection of his scheme, Motovich opened the accounts in the names of other individuals.

In total, between 2012 and 2019, Motovich deposited more than $55 million into the accounts that he had opened in the names of other individuals and used the funds to purchase real estate; pay personal and corporate credit card accounts; purchase luxury items, including millions of dollars of diamonds, watches, jewelry and clothing; make lease and purchase payments for Porsche and Lexus luxury vehicles; pay premiums on multi-million dollar life insurance policies for himself, his wife and others; renovate his penthouse apartment in Manhattan to include a swimming pool; and to fund other business ventures.

Motovich’s co-defendants Marina Kuyan, Kemal Sarkinovic, and Joshua Markovics, all previously pleaded guilty to various charges in connection with the scheme. They are awaiting sentencing.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Polemeni, Erik Paulsen, Andrew Grubin and Matthew Skurnik are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Eastern District of New York Special Agent George Dietz and Paralegal Specialist Kavya Kannan.

The Defendant:

DAVID MOTOVICH
Age:  49
New York, NY

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-497 (WFK)

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FOUNDER OF GPB CAPITAL AND CEO OF ASCENDANT CAPITAL CONVICTED OF FRAUD CHARGHES

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York
Defendants Raised More Than $1 Billion from Investors

A federal jury in Brooklyn convicted David Gentile, the founder, owner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPB Capital Holdings, LLC (GPB) and Jeffry Schneider, the owner and CEO of Ascendant Capital LLC (Ascendant Capital), on all counts of an indictment charging them with conspiracy to commit securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and securities fraud; Gentile was also convicted on two counts of wire fraud.

 The charges related to a years-long scheme to defraud more than 10,000 investors by misrepresenting the source of funds used to make monthly distribution payments and the amount of revenue generated by three of GPB’s investment funds.  The verdict followed an eight-week trial before United States District Judge Rachel P. Kovner.  When sentenced, Gentile and Schneider each faces up to 20 years in prison.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Christie M. Curtis, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the verdict.

“The jury found that the defendants lied to investors about the health of their funds and the source of fund distribution payments, all while they were fraudulently making those distribution payments with investor capital to maintain the appearance of successful portfolio companies,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “This Office has a proud history of prosecuting fraudsters who abuse the trust of investors, and we will continue to vigorously protect the integrity of the financial markets.”

Mr. Peace expressed his appreciation to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the New York City Business Integrity Commission and the New York City Police Department for their valuable assistance with the case.

GPB, founded in 2013 by Gentile, was a New York-based investment advisor registered with the SEC.  GPB was the general partner of several investment funds that raised and invested capital in a portfolio of private equity investments.  GPB worked with Ascendant Capital, a marketing firm founded by Schneider, to market the GPB funds to investors.  Gentile and Schneider worked closely together on the operation and marketing of GPB funds, receiving regular updates as to the funds’ performance.

As proven at trial, between August 2015 and December 2018, the defendants engaged in a scheme to defraud investors and prospective investors in several GPB funds through material misrepresentations and omissions.

Specifically, Gentile and Schneider, both individually and through employees at Ascendant Capital, represented to investors that the funds would make a monthly distribution payment that would be fully covered from operations, meaning that the companies purchased by the funds would be sufficiently profitable for the payments to be made from the companies’ cash flow, without drawing from capital raised by investors. 

In reality, when the funds’ performance lagged, the defendants tried to disguise the shortfall with fraudulent, back-dated documents and paid investor distributions out of investor capital.

Ultimately, investor capital was used to pay for a significant portion of the distributions made to investors.

Gentile and Schneider were aware that the GPB Funds were underperforming and authorized the fraudulent distribution payments.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Business & Securities Fraud Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys Artie McConnell, Jessica K. Weigel, Nicholas M. Axelrod and Kate Mathews are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Madison Bates and Allison Henry.

The Defendants:

DAVID GENTILE
Age:  57
Manhasset, New York

JEFFRY SCHNEIDER
Age:  55
Austin, Texas

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