Someone falling to their death in a manhole "ordinarily does not occur in the absence of negligence," the lawsuit said.
The utility company wants the Public Service Commission to approve a 3-year phased-in increase.
A new report is shedding light on rising utility costs, finding that energy bills have increased by 13% nationwide.
Con Ed says the need for power throughout the borough will increase 16% in the next ten years.
It happened just before 6 p.m. on 157th Avenue in Howard Beach.
Approximately 70 people were evacuated from three buildings in Manhattan for reports of a gas leak.