Con Edison strikes deal to add more natural gas capacity for New York City
Con Edison has secured the right to use an existing natural gas pipeline to provide needed incremental natural gas capacity to the Bronx and parts of Manhattan and Queens.
Natural gas demand in New York City has grown significantly in recent years as many consumers are converting their systems from oil to gas.
The increased capacity will come from the Iroquois Gas Transmission System. Con Edison reached an agreement to upgrade compression facilities on the Iroquois system to provide the increased natural gas capacity to Con Edison’s distribution system that serves New York City. The incremental capacity is expected to be placed into service by November 2023, pending permits and approvals.
“Increasing gas capacity in our New York City service area provides the most rational, sensible approach to allow an orderly transition to a renewable energy future,” Tim Cawley, president of Con Edison, said. “The solution provides the time needed to improve upon and increase the adoption of non-pipeline technology.”
The increased gas capacity plan allows more time for customers to adapt to alternative heating solutions. To that end, Con Edison has a $223 million Smart Solutions program for customers who are interested in alternatives to natural gas. The program includes including incentives to electrify heating systems, upgrade HVAC controls, install geothermal heat pumps or weatherize their homes.
Con Edison delivers electricity, natural gas, and steam to 3.5 million customers in New York City and Westchester County, N.Y.
