Con Edison: public issues

safety

For the past three years, Con Edison has been engaged in an aggressive and comprehensive stray voltage detection and inspection program that checks more than 730,000 pieces of electrical equipment annually. In addition to testing the surface of 270,000 underground structures every year, we are going inside all of these structures on a five-year cycle to conduct full inspections, checking the status of wiring and other equipment.

In 2007, Consolidated Edison completed a third round of annual testing and continued with facility inspections in accordance with the Safety Standards. Beyond annual testing and inspection, Con Edison is mitigating stray voltage through improved detection techniques, equipment upgrades, and technological innovation. Mobile testing is at the core of the improved stray voltage mitigation efforts. This multifaceted strategy to protect the public has resulted in an 80% decline in reported electric shocks associated with company equipment since 2004.

The company has also developed state-of-the-art mobile detection vehicles that can survey for stray voltage while driving down the street. We have committed to annual mobile surveys, and to deploy the vehicles around the clock after snowstorms when the issue of stray voltage is more acute. Additionally, they are used prior to public events to enhance public safety.

We continue to steadfastly pursue ways to reduce stray voltage on our system by implementing new technologies such as isolation transformers on streetlights that may prevent stray voltage from occurring, and we are installing non-conductive composite covers on our service boxes to improve public safety. While there is always some risk involved in delivering electricity, we continuously strive to do it as safely as humanly possible. With the new technologies we've developed, we are able to do it even better.

Click here to read Con Edison’s 2007 Stray Voltage Detection and Electric Facility Inspection Report to the New York Public Service Commission.

The following publications and Web pages are designed to help contribute to a safe, accident-free environment:

"Electric Safety: What You Need to Know" brochure, outlining the rules and safeguards that can help you prevent all manner of electrical accidents

"In Case of a Storm" brochure, offering guidance on weather-related safety issues

"A Message About Gas Safety" brochure, containing facts about natural gas and carbon monoxide

More online safety tips: