Compare the Best Energy Rates

How to Start New Con Ed Service

Getting set up with Con Ed is easy and convenient. Just visit the Con Ed web site to start, stop, or move electric and/or gas service.

Customers can apply to set up service by calling Con Ed customer service (1-800-752-6633).

Be ready to supply:

• Service Address: The address where you want your service turned on or switched.
• The start date for electricity service.
• Personal Information: You will need to provide a valid form of identification (such as a driver's license or credit card) to validate your name and prior address. Otherwise, you will need to pay a deposit.
• The utility may also require you to prove responsibility for service and ask you for a copy of your lease or deed.
• Con Ed will then determine if they require a deposit.

Applicants for electric service must have paid in full all bills on their past Con Edison accounts or agree to a deferred-payment plan before a new account can be opened. Con Edison will notify you by letter within three business days after receiving your application if it has been denied. The letter will state the reason(s) for denial, exactly what you must do to be approved.

Will I Need to Pay a Deposit?

In New York, no utility can require any new residential customer pay a security deposit as a condition of receiving utility service.

The utility can require a deposit if:

• You're new seasonal or short-term customer.
• Existing customers that made two or more late payments within a 12-month period, or are experiencing financial problems (for example, employment or debt problems ) will also need to pay a deposit.
• The customer was previously disconnected or has unpaid energy bills during the preceding six months..

Note: If you're aged 62 or older or you are receiving public assistance, supplemental security income, or additional state payments then you will not need to pay a deposit.

If you must pay a deposit -- Con Edison must notify you in writing within 3 business days about the specific reasons why you are required to pay a security deposit. NY law states that deposits cannot be greater than an estimated two months usage.

Customers have 20 days after the utilty sends the deposity request notification to make a payment. However, customers can pay the full deposit in installments over a 12 month period. National Grid can hold deposits for residential service for 12 months. If the customer pays their bill in full and on time for 12 consecutive months, the deposit will earn interest.

How Do I Get the Cheapest Con Ed Rate?

Shopping for a new Con Ed Customer Choice Plan can seem bewildering at first. Once you understand how it works, though, it's an easy and straightforward process. That said, you should have these three things with you when you shop for electricity.

1. Your current bill. Your past usage per billing period can help you estimate a how much a plan might cost you each month.
2. The current Con Ed PTC and expiration date. Knowing the current Con Ed supply price lets you compare rates offered by retail energy suppliers. This way, you can get a better feel for what suppliers are offering, for how long, and if any of their incentives make their price work for your family's need.
3. Your Con Ed of New York customer account number. This 15 digit number is located on your bill. Having it handy lets you sign up with a retail supplier right away.

Con Ed Shopping Questions

The best way for a NY energy customer to avoid making a bad choice it to ask the right questions. That way, you can learn exactly the information that can save you money. When you shop for electricity service in New York, always be sure to ask these important questions:

• Is the rate variable or is it fixed?
• Is the rate competitive with the current Con Ed supply rate?
• How long does the plan contract term run?
• Does the plan's contract term last longer than Con Ed's PTC rate?
• Does the plan include any recurring monthly charges?
• Does the plan have an early cancellation fee?
• Does the supplier offer any customer incentives or rewards programs?
• What happens when the contract expires?

Other Commonly Asked New York Electricity Questions:

Who bills me? Con Ed sends a single bill that outlines and adds up your monthly charges.

What are the Terms of Service? In NY, Customer Choice Plans must include Terms of Service that explain and identify specific charges and any fees a customer will face when they sign up for an electricity plan. Not all suppliers have the same terms. That's why all New York energy choice customers should read and understand the terms of service and contract summary for any plan they are interested in before they sign on to the plan.

What are early termination fees? Switching retail suppliers before a contract ends can involve paying early termination fees. These can take a big chomp out of your checking account you if choose to switch retail providers before your plan contract ends.

Where can I find more information on my usage? Con Ed customers can request 24 months of their energy usage free of charge. This is most easily available through your Con Ed online account.

Bill Questions? Electricity Out? Contact Con Ed!

Having problems or interruptions with your Con Ed electricity? Here's the proper people to call.

Con Ed Billing Problems

The NY PSC requires all New York public utilities to offer "budget billing" where annual electricity costs are averaged out over the cost of the year. This ensures that customers aren't presented with unexpectedly high bills at peak times.

• First thing to do is contact Con Ed. If you are having trouble paying your monthly bill call Con Ed's Customer Service: 1-800-752-6633. Have your account number ready.
• Need extra time to pay your energy bill? Customers can apply for a payment extension. Call Con Ed Customer Service or by applying on-line.

Con Ed Emergencies and Outages

All power lines are extremely dangerous! Never attempt to move a downed power line by yourself. Call 911 and then notifiy Con Ed.

• Report safety hazards involving power lines immediately to Con Ed at 1-800-914-9112.
• You can also report downed lines or outages at Con Ed's website.
• Check Con Ed's current electric outages as they are being repaired.

Understand Your Con Ed Bill

Your Con Ed bill contains many details that can be confusing to customers. But there's lots of useful information to help you better understand your usage and rate. Below, we break down the most important items on a sample Con Ed Electric bill.

Con Ed Sample Bill

A: Billing Information. At the top right, this section shows the amount due, and the date that the payment is due. Beginning to the left on the space below, the section shows your name, 15 digit Con Ed account number, service address, and the next meter read date.






: Billing Summary. This details the bill's date, the billing period, the amount paid in your last bill, and the current charges due due. The line below also shows the date of the next meter read.






C: Usage Summary. This section shows your average daily electric usage for the year. The section below, shows your average daily natural gas usage. Both help you compare your energy usage to the average daily temperature for each month.






D: Message Center: Here you can find important notifications from Con Ed.





E: Billing Payment Stub. This includes your 15 digit Con Ed account number, the service address, the amount due, and the due date. The stub comes pre-addressed for your convenience if you mail your payment.





F: The top of Page 2 shows your 15 digit Con Ed account number. The section below shows the usage information and includes the read date, meter number, the acutal metering numbers, and the total usage. Below this are the charges due from your Electric Generation Supplier.





G: Shows Con Ed's monthly delivery charges and rate, and then the total Con Ed charges due. Sections immediately below this deail your natural gas charges in terms of supply and delivery charges.





H: This section provides helpful reference information about your bill from Con Edison. Here you can find out more specific information on bill terms, charges, and surcharges.





I: Shows your bill payment options and includes ways to pay online, by phone, and in person. You can also set up auto pay.