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Con Edison details heat‑season actions, explains rising bills and voltage‑reduction protocol
Summary
Con Edison told Queens board members it expects to meet summer demand, described localized voltage reductions (5–8%) used to protect equipment during heat events, said the newly commissioned Quebec‑to‑Queens cable supplies about 20–25% of NYC power, and listed three drivers of higher bills: energy market prices, taxes (about 25% of a bill) and delivery charges tied to grid investments.
Richard David, Con Edison’s regional director for Queens, briefed the borough cabinet on how the utility prepares for heat and flooding events and why customer bills have risen. "The short answer is yes" — Con Edison can meet expected summer demand, he said, while acknowledging the system faces stress during prolonged heat and unseasonal weather.
David described voltage reductions (5–8%) the company may use on very hot days to reduce stress on machinery and allow crews to inspect and repair equipment safely. He cautioned that customers may notice effects such as elevators operating poorly in older buildings during these events.
On cost drivers, David gave three main reasons for rising bills: the city purchases energy at market rates (Con Edison said it does not profit from wholesale energy purchases), taxes (Con Edison said roughly 25% of a typical bill goes to taxes and city allocations) and delivery charges tied to significant infrastructure investment — Con Edison cited plans to invest up to $29 billion over five years to harden the grid.
David also addressed battery‑storage projects and microgrids: Con Edison supports battery storage as a non‑emitting resource and said installations follow rigorous safety review (with FDNY regulation of fire safety); microgrids could be useful in specific geographies but require state and municipal policy direction.
Why it matters: The briefing combined operational details residents may notice this summer (voltage reductions, localized outages, elevator issues) with explanations of bill composition and programs aimed at low‑income customers (expanded energy affordability programs). Con Edison encouraged eligible customers to apply for assistance programs through state and utility channels.
