NEW YORK, NY — (Marketwire) — 10/18/11 — Con Edison–s residential customer gas heating bills are expected to drop 3.8 percent this winter due to lower fuel prices, and customers can save even more by taking advantage of the company–s energy efficiency programs.
“The combination of lower natural gas prices and the availability of our energy efficiency programs gives customers a chance to save money in their bills,” said Rebecca Craft, director of energy efficiency programs at Con Edison. “You don–t have to be an expert to take advantage of our programs. They–re tailored to every customer.”
Replacing older equipment with high-efficiency technology can cut heating costs dramatically. In addition, an eligible customer in a one-to-four family home may qualify for a Con Edison rebate of up to $1,000 for an energy-efficient furnace, boiler or hot water heater that uses natural gas. The rebate can be as high as $15,000 for a residential property with five to 75 units.
More information on Con Edison–s energy efficiency programs is at or by calling the “Green Team” at 1-877-870-6118. Here–s a video with winter energy-saving tips: .
The 2011-2012 average gas-heating customer residential winter bill from November to March (based on monthly usage of 236 therms) is expected to be approximately $350 per month, down from $364 last year.
Con Edison has adequate natural gas supplies for its 1.1 million customers in Manhattan, the Bronx, Westchester County and parts of Queens. About 279,000 of those customers use gas for heating their homes.
To keep its gas service reliable, the company is replacing 150 miles of gas mains between 2011 and 2013. The company is also adding 15 miles of new mains.
Con Edison–s Level Payment Plan helps customers even out their bills over the entire year. HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) grants are available for qualified New York state residents, and EnergyShare funds are available for qualified customers.
The company also gives consumers the chance to shop for an alternate energy supplier through PowerYourWay (). Customers who choose an alternate supplier by enrolling in PowerMove will save 7 percent on their energy costs for an introductory period.
The company offers customers tips for saving on their bills during the cold weather:
Set your thermostat at 68 degrees during the day and 60 degrees at night. Turning the thermostat back 10 to 15 percent eight hours a day can trim seasonal heating costs up to 10 percent. Thermostats in homes with infants, elderly, or ill individuals should be set higher.
Have your heating system cleaned and inspected by a qualified contractor. A clean, well-maintained system operates more efficiently and uses less fuel.
Prevent heat loss by sealing air leaks around window and door frames with caulk or weather stripping. Retain heat by installing storm or thermal windows and doors, double-paned glass, or plastic sheeting over doors and windows.
Keep shades and curtains open during the day so the sun can make your home warmer. Close them in the evening to keep the heat in. Move drapes or furniture from around radiators so that heat can flow.
Insulate the attic properly to prevent heat from escaping.
Remove window air conditioner units in the winter. If you can–t, enclose the unit with an air conditioner cover to stop drafts.
Con Edison wants customers to be safe during the winter and offers these tips:
Do not heat rooms with your range or oven. These appliances aren–t designed for space heating. Using a range or oven can cause a fire. Using the appliances for heating can also deplete oxygen levels and cause a buildup of lethal carbon monoxide.
Be sure heating and cooking appliances are properly adjusted, and working to manufacturer–s specifications and local building codes. Never operate a portable generator indoors.
All heating systems, vents, and flues should be inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified technician.
Never extinguish a pilot light. Blowing out the pilot doesn–t stop gas from escaping and can create a dangerous inlet for natural gas. Don–t create a gas leak to save a few pennies.
If you smell a strong odor of gas, leave the premises immediately and take others with you. Do not strike a match, use a phone, switch on electrical appliances, lights, or even a flashlight in the area where you smell gas.
Report all indoor and outdoor gas leaks 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling toll-free 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633).
Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE: ED), one of the nation–s largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately $13 billion in annual revenues and $36 billion in assets. The utility provides electric, gas and steam service to more than three million customers in New York City and Westchester County, New York. For financial, operations and customer service information, visit us on the Web at , at our green site, , or find us on Facebook at Power of Green.
Embedded Video Available:
Media Relations
212-460-4111