Cut Your Con Edison Bill During NYC Heat Wave

NEW YORK, NY— As New York City faces a heat wave with temperatures climbing into the upper 90s and heat index values expected to reach as high as 112 degrees, one Con Edison program could put money back in residents' pockets while easing pressure on the City's electric grid.

The Smart Usage Rewards program pays eligible customers who voluntarily reduce electricity use during periods of peak demand, when air conditioners send power consumption soaring across the city.

Frank Bruckner, co-founder and CEO of Meltek, said nearly all Con Edison customers with smart meters can participate.

"The primary barrier is that folks don't know about it," Bruckner said. "It's an awareness issue."

The company works with about 6,000 participants currently, Bruckner said.

"Energy demand is increasing across the board across the United States," he said. "There's a lot of electrification of everything. It's creating a lot of pressure on the grid."

Con Edison estimates the average New York City residential customer using 600 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month will pay an average monthly bill of $218.55 in 2025, up from $215.33 in 2024.

The average monthly bill has climbed steadily over the past decade, rising from $142.51 in 2016.

Meltek is one of Con Edison's Smart Usage partners, helping customers enroll in the utility's demand response program.

When Con Edison forecasts unusually high electricity demand, participants receive a request to temporarily reduce their energy use.

"Our recommendation is four to five degrees," he said. "When the event actually starts, you can keep a good indoor temperature in your home, so you're comfortable during the event."

He also recommends pre-cooling homes several hours before a demand event begins.

"If you have a smart thermostat, we can automate the control for you," Bruckner said.

Instead of receiving a discount directly on their utility bill, participants earn rewards based on how much electricity they reduce compared with their typical usage.

The program is free to join, and customers can opt out at any time.

Participants need an active Con Edison electric account and a smart meter.

Rewards are available during the demand response season, which runs from May 1 through Sept. 30.

The effort comes as New York City urges residents and businesses to conserve electricity during periods of extreme heat by raising thermostats, delaying use of large appliances and turning off unnecessary lights.

City officials have also asked businesses to set thermostats to 78 degrees to help reduce strain on the electric grid.

Beyond lowering bills, Bruckner said widespread participation could reduce reliance on older power plants that operate only during periods of exceptionally high demand.

"There are peaker plants that get turned on to satisfy that extra demand for electricity," he said. "Those tend to be the dirtiest power plants around."

He said expanding demand response programs could eventually reduce the need for those facilities while helping stabilize the electric grid during the hottest days of the year.