Con Edison Urges Customers to Conserve Energy Due to Heavy Demand on Interstate Gas Pipelines

Con Edison is urging its customers to conserve energy due to frigid weather and increased demand on interstate pipelines that bring natural gas into the New York City Metropolitan region.

The call for conservation covers Con Edison’s 1.1 million natural gas, 3.5 million electric customers and its steam customers in Manhattan and will remain in effect until further notice. Conserving energy as much as possible now will help ensure adequate natural gas supplies for the rest of the weekend.

Owners of natural gas pipelines have reported that equipment problems caused by the cold weather and the heavy demand for natural gas are challenging their ability to provide adequate amounts of gas throughout the Northeast.

Though the issues are on pipelines that are outside of Con Edison’s service area and not owned or operated by Con Edison, the company is seeking conservation to keep service reliable for its customers.

Along with urging customers to conserve, the company is switching electric and steam generation plants to alternative fuels. The company is also utilizing liquefied natural gas and compressed natural gas for additional supply to serve customers.

Con Edison offers the following conservation tips:

• Set thermostats at the lowest comfortable temperature. Each degree lower reduces energy usage and decreases heating costs.
• Use appliances only as needed. Turn off the lights in unoccupied rooms. Turn off television sets, computers and other appliances that are not in use.
• Hold off on using appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and dryers until the conservation request is lifted, if possible.
• Make sure heating vents are not blocked by furniture, carpeting or anything else that could obstruct the flow of heat.

The company is in contact with New York City Emergency Management and the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services.