New York PSC approves Con Edison gas energy plan to double efficiency

The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a plan proposed by Con Edison last week, opening the door for them to double gas energy efficiency over the next three years and reduce overall usage.

“Energy efficiency has proven to yield positive results in the reduction of natural gas usage, and can serve to address peak day demand,” Commission Chair John Rhodes said. “Reducing peak day demand for natural gas not only yields dividends in carbon reduction but decreases costs to consumers. We will continue to work with Con Edison as they develop strategies under their Smart Solutions program to reduce natural gas consumption.”

The effort to reduce gas usage is part of Con Edison’s larger Smart Solutions strategy put forward for 2018-2020 and aims to reduce peak day demand while supporting the state’s larger climate and clean energy goals. That effort is partially fueled by the fact that Con Edison’s gas use has been increasing rapidly — it currently reaches 1.1 million customers — with predictions that it is on a growth path for the next 20 years.

Under the plan, incentives will be provided to residential, multifamily and commercial firm gas customers to install more efficient natural gas equipment and reduce their usage. No increased costs will accompany this action for ratepayers.