Con Edison: Customer Central - energy q&a

questions (and answers) about energy

Con Edison knows that its customers have questions about how much the electricity they use will cost this summer and how to better manage their energy bills. Here are some of the questions our customer service representatives answer all the time.

Q:	Why do I pay more for electricity in the summer?
A:	Like most of us, you probably use more electricity in the summer. We run air conditioners and fans to stay cool. Even your refrigerator works harder in warm, humid weather. And, when everyone uses more electricity, the market price can go up.

Q:	Does Con Edison expect summer bills to be higher or lower than last year?
A:	We expect a modest increase in electric bills this summer over last summer due to increased supply and delivery costs. We�re prepared to help customers manage energy bills through payment programs, agreements, and extensions.

Are there any programs available that can help me use less energy?

Con Edison is offering a wide array of energy-efficiency programs that offer rebates, incentives, and energy audits to residential and commercial customers. For example, residential customers residing in a one-to-four family home can receive up to $1,000 in rebates for installing high-efficiency heating, cooling, indirect or heat pump hot-water (electric or natural gas equipment) and duct and air sealing. Customers who buy a new ENERGY STAR room air conditioner can earn a $30 rebate, and customers who replace an old room air conditioner with an ENERGY STAR model can earn a $35 rebate. Small business customers can receive a free energy survey that identifies energy-efficiency measures and financial incentives up to 70 percent (of the installed cost) for upgrading heating, cooling, and hot water systems. To find out if you qualify and learn more call 1-877-870-6118 or visit www.conEd.com/energyefficiency.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority also offers energy-efficiency incentive and rebate programs. To learn more, visit www.getenergysmart.org.

Can I shop for my electricity?

Yes, you can choose your electric supplier the same way you choose a cell phone provider. Our PowerYourWay program can help you find a new energy supplier. Visit www.poweryourway.com and you’ll find all the information you need, including lists of alternate energy suppliers (ESCOs), tips on how to compare different product offerings, and much more. A number of ESCOs provide green power, including wind and solar energy, and some offer a fixed price. You can also obtain information on energy choice from the New York State Public Service Commission by visiting www.askpsc.com/.

Q:	How has Con Edison prepared for this summer?
A:	Con Edison will invest approximately $1.2 billion this year reinforcing and expanding its electric transmission and distribution system in New York City and Westchester. We’re also investing in smart-grid technologies that will make our systems cleaner, safer, and more reliable.

Q:	If the wholesale prices go up sharply, how can I budget for my bills?
A:	Consider Con Edison's Level Payment plan. It can be particularly helpful if you use air conditioning. We estimate your yearly energy costs and divide by 12 to get the amount of your monthly payment. You know in advance exactly how much to budget.

I can't live without air-conditioning. How can I keep my bill down?

Here's an area where know-how is important. Adjust the air conditioner's control to 78 degrees, its most efficient setting. On average, for every degree you set back your thermostat, you can save three percent on your energy bill. You should also clean or replace your air conditioner filter at least once a month.

Consider alternating the use of air-conditioning and fans. Once you’re comfortable, shut down the air conditioner and turn on the fan.

How old is your air conditioner? New models are more efficient, so consider replacing an old unit. Look for the Energy Star label and make sure the unit is the right size for the space you cool. Turn it off when you are out of the room or away.

For more energy-efficiency tips, visit www.conEd.com/thepowerofgreen.

I don't use air-conditioning. Why is my bill still high?

One of the biggest energy users in your home is the refrigerator. Because it is always on, make it as efficient as possible. Set the temperature of the refrigerator to 40 degrees, and the freezer to 0 degrees. Keep the condenser coils clean by vacuuming or dusting them regularly. Make sure the rubber door gaskets form a tight seal. Don't open the door any more than necessary. New refrigerators are the most energy efficient so consider replacing an old one with a new ENERGY STAR model.

Q:	I was on vacation for two weeks and my bill was as high as ever. Why?
A:	Refrigerators and other appliances operate 24 hours a day, whether you're home or not. The next time you go away for more than a few days, empty and unplug your refrigerator. Unplug TVs, cable boxes and modems, computers and monitors when not in use. It will save you lots of energy.

I'm already conserving power. How can I do more?

One of the most effective ways to conserve power is with automatic timers and thermostats. Consider installing motion sensors. They turn lights on automatically when someone enters a room and off when the room is empty. Replace ordinary bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. They use 25 percent of the electricity standard bulbs use and last 10 times longer. Turn off lights that aren't necessary. Use bright lights only where someone is reading or working. Sometimes a night-light is enough. When you buy new appliances, read Energy Guide labels and look for the ENERGY STAR designation.