Soaring electric bills in NYC! Learn effective ways to manage costs.

In a move that may affect many households, Con Edison has announced that national grid rates have increased twice this year, in April and September, and are set to rise again in 2026. This cumulative increase is expected to amount to approximately 40%.

Amidst these rate hikes, Con Edison encourages customers to take proactive steps to reduce energy consumption. One such measure is unplugging electronics and using power strips to combat energy vampires.

For those seeking guidance, Con Edison's website offers a wealth of information. It provides energy-efficiency tips, tools to monitor usage, and details about financial assistance programs. Customers are also advised to compare their bills from different months, especially last summer and the current summer, to ensure that their usage tracks weather patterns.

On the first page of the bill, customers can find the number of days they are being charged for. For a more detailed view, the first page includes a chart of daily usage, which can help monitor energy consumption.

Con Edison offers further assistance to customers who suspect high usage. If a customer's bill is found to be accurate, energy efficiency measures can help lower usage and conserve energy. The company can test a customer's meter if they have concerns about their bills.

In the face of these rate increases, Con Edison is currently in the process of another active rate case, but any changes sought this summer likely won't come into effect until winter. The company has also requested approval to raise its rates in the coming year.

In response to rising energy costs, the German federal government has implemented financial relief measures such as subsidies to reduce transmission network charges. These measures are expected to lower household electricity costs by about 100 euros annually starting in 2026. Additionally, the government has abolished the gas storage levy to further ease energy costs for families.

To further conserve energy, households can implement simple measures such as lowering heating and appliance usage, improving insulation, and using energy-efficient devices. Specific tips are generally advised by consumer protection organizations or energy agencies.

As the summer heat waves continue, it's crucial for customers to understand the factors contributing to their increased electricity bills. The increase is due to a combination of higher supply charges (due to increased demand and lower supply) and delivery rate increases (due to a rate plan where electric and gas rates go up every January). The new delivery rates, which took effect in January 2025, are the first summer that customers have been charged under these rates.

Lastly, Con Edison customers can request tests or investigations if they have concerns about their bills. Simple measures like drawing curtains in the hot summer, changing the ceiling fan direction to clockwise in the fall, and cleaning the filter in an AC unit once a month can also help conserve energy. Energy Star appliances and LED light bulbs are recommended for energy efficiency.