Con Edison proposes program to reduce demand for conventional natural gas
Con Edison recently proposed measures to the New York State Department of Public Service to invest in renewable natural gas and offer incentives to customers who reduce their natural gas usage.
The company noted its proposal comes as the demand for natural gas has grown in New York City and Westchester County, N.Y.
“This program will help us maintain reliable service so that our customers can keep their homes and businesses warm and comfortable, while helping to support state and local energy goals,” Marc Huestis, Con Edison’s senior vice president of gas operations, said. “However, these measures do not eliminate the need for a new natural gas pipeline to keep up with our region’s energy needs.”
The proposal includes the construction of up to three renewable gas facilities, which would reduce the need for conventional natural gas by up to 7,100 dekatherms on a peak winter day. It also includes the construction of two to five compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage sites in Westchester County. The supply would reduce the need for conventional natural gas pipeline supplies by 40,000 dekatherms on peak winter days.
Incentives are aimed at customers who upgrade their heating equipment to new, more efficient models, which could reduce peak winter day demand by up to 25,000 dekatherms. In addition, payments would be made to reduce upfront costs for customers who install heat pumps to electrify their heating systems, which would reduce peak winter day demand by up to 12,400 dekatherms.
The company is seeking $305 million in funding for the program. When the program funds are fully spent around 2025, the maximum increase in the gas bill would be approximately 1.5 percent for an average residential or small business customer.
