Ever wondered how the lights stay on in the city that never sleeps? Con Edison, the primary energy provider for New York City, plays a crucial role in keeping the city humming, delivering electricity, gas, and steam to millions of residents and businesses.
Navigating the complexities of energy supply in a bustling metropolis like New York can be daunting, but understanding the fundamentals of Con Edison's operations is key. From its historical roots in the 19th century to its modern-day infrastructure, Con Edison's story is intertwined with the evolution of New York itself. This article aims to demystify the company's structure, services, and the options available to its customers, ensuring you have the knowledge to make informed choices about your energy needs.
Let's delve deeper into this critical infrastructure provider, exploring its impact on the city and the choices available to its consumers.
Con Edison, short for Consolidated Edison, is not just a utility company; its a cornerstone of New York City's infrastructure. Its principal business segments, including Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (CECONY), Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R), and Con Edison Transmission, Inc., are responsible for a vast network that powers the city's economic activity and daily life.
The company's reach extends throughout the city, providing electric service to approximately 3.6 million customers and gas service to a significant portion of the population. Moreover, Con Edison provides steam service in parts of Manhattan, contributing to the heating and cooling of numerous buildings.
For those living in the five boroughs (excluding the Rockaways), Con Edison is the primary point of contact for all things related to electricity and billing. From setting up new service to cancelling existing accounts, the company offers a range of customer services to meet the diverse needs of New Yorkers.
The history of Con Edison is a fascinating tale. It dates back to 1833 with the Manhattan Gas Light Company, which started illuminating New York streets using coal gas. As competition increased, by 1880, six gas companies were battling for customers. This competition eventually coalesced into what we know as Consolidated Edison today.
Understanding the energy landscape in New York State requires understanding the energy choice program. Con Edison customers have a choice: they can procure their energy supply from Con Edison itself, at its Price to Compare (PTC), or they can choose a competitive retail energy service company (RESC). This choice provides customers with options and the ability to potentially find energy plans that better suit their needs.
The complexities of the New York energy system, including its intricate supply and distribution networks, are best understood by examining the various zones under Con Edison's purview and considering the factors that influence energy costs.
The price of electricity and gas in New York can be subject to significant variation due to factors such as weather, demand, and market fluctuations. According to 2020 data, the average residential Con Edison customer in New York paid approximately $346 per month. This figure represents a composite of electricity usage (around $170 per month) and gas consumption (approximately $176.36 per month for 100 therms). These figures offer a glimpse into the cost of keeping the lights on and the heating running in a New York household.
Navigating Con Edison's services can be made easier by understanding the zone charges and how they impact your bill. The company's website provides extensive resources and information about its services, including how to set up or cancel service and access account information.
Recently, the company faced scrutiny, with New York's Attorney General requesting an explanation for an unexpected spike in utility bills that affected thousands of customers, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in the energy sector.
While the original content does not directly list specific personnel involved in Con Edison, its vast and complex operations are undoubtedly managed by a team of engineers, technicians, customer service representatives, and executives. The roles of these individuals are critical to the efficient and reliable operation of Con Edison's energy infrastructure.
The article focuses on Con Edison's history, services, and customer options in New York City. It highlights its role in the energy landscape, the complexities of its operations, and the challenges faced by customers. This information is designed to give a clear understanding of the Company's relevance to New York residents.
To get information, access and get billing support, you can visit the official website of Con Edison, here you can set up and cancel service, get details about its services and accounts.
The content of the text highlights the importance of understanding the intricacies of energy supply in New York City.


