New York’s energy use has reached unprecedented levels. For the year 2008, Consolidated Edison Company of New York’s customers used 62,062 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity. This level of use is more than 22% higher than the 50,837 GWh used in 1997. A gigawatt is a rate of energy production equal to 1,000 megawatts. One megawatt is enough electricity to power approximately 1,000 homes. Con Edison’s energy delivery surpasses the annual electrical usage of the entire state of Colorado (49,734 GWh in 2006) or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (55,850 GWh in 2006).

On August 2, 2006, Con Edison set a record for peak electricity demand, reaching 13,141 megawatts at 5 p.m., topping a record of 13,103 megawatts the company set the day before, on August 1. The New York Independent System Operator also reported a statewide peak-load record on August 2, 2006. Peak electricity demand is the greatest amount of energy supplied at a given time.

Con Edison first reached the 10,000-megawatt mark in 1988, more than 100 years after Edison’s Pearl Street Generating Station began operations. Electricity demand topped 11,000 megawatts in 1997, broke the 12,000-megawatt barrier in 2001, and surpassed 13,000-megawatts in 2005. Peak electricity demand in New York City and Westchester County in summertime has been growing annually by about 225 megawatts, the equivalent of powering more than 200,000 homes. Con Edison expects to deliver more than 41% of New York State’s 2009 peak electricity consumption.

As growth continues in our region, new building projects and housing depend on having a reliable energy infrastructure. Con Edison has a multi-billion-dollar capital program to enhance its electric delivery system. The company will also pursue new energy-efficiency initiatives and conservation programs to reduce demand by at least 500 megawatts by 2015, offsetting the need to build a large power plant. To meet these needs, the company has filed a new electric rate proposal with the New York State Public Service Commission. Click here for more information about the company's rate proposal.

The report by the New York Building Congress, Electricity Outlook: Powering New York City's Economic Future, and New York City’s PlaNYC 2030, confirm that population growth, economic development, and the growing use of electronic products by consumers are factors resulting in increased energy consumption.

Over the last five years, the number of home computers in Con Edison of New York's service area grew by 950,000; 77% of households now have a home computer. Another 400,000 are projected to be connected in the next five years. In the last five years, the number of air conditioners grew by one million. During the summer of 2008, Con Edison’s customers used a record 6.5 million air conditioners (room and central units) to cool their homes and offices; about 90% of households have air conditioning.

If current trends continue, energy demand could grow substantially. Despite fluctuations in the economy and increasing conservation efforts, Con Edison projects peak electricity demand will increase by 10% over the next decade. Therefore, substantial investments in the energy supply chain are required. At the same time, one of the best ways to meet New York’s growing energy needs while reducing pollution is to reduce energy demand. Con Edison must simultaneously address New York’s energy challenges and its environmental challenges.

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