EPA Honors Con Edison for Replacing Oil Filled Lead Cable with ‘Green’ Cable

May 29, 2008 – The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today recognized Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. for environmental excellence.

The company has joined the EPA’s National Partnership for Environmental Priorities Program and committed to replacing, on average, 120 miles of paper insulated leaded covered cable (PILC) with nonleaded solid dielectric cable annually. Con Edison has already replaced over 4,000 miles of PILC, and plans to completely remove all PILC from its electrical system by 2020.

“By significantly reducing its use of lead, Con Edison is exhibiting environmental leadership and improving power service for New Yorkers,” EPA Regional Administrator Alan Steinberg said. “By taking the steps necessary to be a partner, Con Ed is embracing the NPEP motto: ‘Better Environment, Better Neighbor, and Better Business’.”

An EPA plaque of recognition was presented to Louis L. Rana, Con Edison’s president and chief operating officer.

“The National Partnership for Environmental Priorities Program enables members to more effectively identify and better manage industrial impacts on the environment,” Mr. Rana said. “We take great pride in our commitment to provide reliable service to our customers in an environmentally sustainable fashion.”

Con Edison also has instituted a number of other green initiatives and policies to help improve the environment. In 2003, the company was one of the first utilities to replace all mercury-containing gas regulators in customers’ homes with a non-mercury containing equivalent. The company is also supporting local climate change efforts in New York City and Westchester County.