Con Edison: newsroom - news release - Con Edison: Conserve Power, Be Cool & Save Money

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Con Edison Media Relations
For Immediate Release: August 2, 2007
11:42 a.m.

CON EDISON: CONSERVE POWER, BE COOL & SAVE MONEY

ENERGY-SAVING IDEAS ON WEB SITE

NEW YORK – With August’s first hot and humid days looming through next week, Con Edison urges customers to conserve electricity. The company also will have extra crews available to respond to any service problems.

Here are some ways to help you save electricity and money during the heat wave: Look around your home or apartment. If you see an appliance or electrical device with an “instant on” switch, unplug it to save electricity. Other energy-saving alternatives include shutting down your computer if you’re not using it. Set your air conditioner no lower than 78 degrees; each degree lower increases cooling costs by 6 percent.

Use a fan to keep cool; it’s only one-tenth the cost of an air conditioner. It’s also a good idea to leave a window open for ventilation when using a fan.

July’s electric usage of 6.25 million megawatts in New York City and Westchester County was fifth highest for a single month. The record of 6.64 million megawatts was set in August 2005.

In case of power problems, customers are urged to call 1-800-75-CONED promptly or contact the company on its Web site at www.conEd.com. The company’s home page also provides a link to a list of 100 energy-saving tips.

Other steps the company is recommending to stay cool include:

Making sure air-conditioner filters are clean for peak efficiency;

Closing the rooms not being used if you have a room air-conditioner.

Operating appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it’s generally cooler. Another alternative: Using a microwave to cook, or a barbecue outside, if possible. Never barbecue indoors;

Accepting Con Edison’s offer of an energy-saving, free programmable thermostat if you have central air conditioning. Program the thermostat manually or from the Internet to turn on before you return home. To learn more about Con Edison’s free programmable thermostat, call 1-866-521-8600 or visit www.conEd.com/cool.

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