Soaring NYC electricity bills: Strategies to help you reduce expenses.

In the realm of rising energy costs, it's essential for Con Edison customers to stay informed and energy-efficient. Here are some key points to help manage your energy usage and understand your bills.

Firstly, conserving energy is crucial in reducing electricity usage. This includes using Energy Star appliances, LED light bulbs, and cleaning AC filters monthly. Additionally, unplugging electronics and using power strips can help reduce energy vampires, saving you money in the long run.

If you notice an unusually long billing period (more than 32 days), it may indicate a billing error or meter issue. In such cases, customers are advised to contact Con Edison to discuss their individual situations and request tests or investigations. It's also beneficial to keep your bills from previous months for comparison purposes.

On Con Edison bills, customers are encouraged to check the first page for a daily usage chart to ensure the usage seems reasonable and tracks weather patterns. The number of days being charged for should also be verified on the first page. Afterward, customers should read the first page and then go to page two for detailed usage and charges.

Con Edison is seeking approval for a rate hike in the coming year. If approved, the increase will not take effect until winter. It's important to note that the higher electricity bills this summer are due to increased demand and lower supply during heat waves, as well as a new set of delivery rates that took effect in January 2025.

National Grid rates increased in September 2024 and April of the current year, and are set to rise again in 2026, resulting in a cumulative increase of approximately 40%.

For low- and moderate-income customers, resources such as myenergy.ny.gov and regional clean energy hubs may provide energy audits or rebates.

Lastly, a few simple tips can help manage your home's temperature without significantly increasing your energy bills. In the summer, setting a ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise can help create a cool breeze, while in the fall, setting it to spin clockwise can help rotate warm air.

Remember, staying informed and energy-efficient can help you manage your electricity usage and costs. For more information, visit Con Edison's website, which provides energy-efficiency tips and tools to help customers monitor usage, as well as information on financial assistance programs.