ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today approved Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.’s (Con Edison) plan to bring two-way “smart meters” to New York City and Westchester County, introducing money-saving products, technology, and incentives to help millions of residential and business customers actively manage their energy usage and take control of their monthly bills.

“The operational savings, new system-wide efficiencies and overall customer savings that will occur as a result of this cutting-edge initiative will be significant,” said Commission Chair Audrey Zibelman. “As the first-of-its-kind system in New York State, this is a milestone in Reforming the Energy Vision, Governor Cuomo’s strategy to bring cleaner, more-resilient and affordable energy to all New Yorkers.”

In its proposal, Con Edison estimates a net benefit over more than $1 billion from the Advance Metering Infrastructure (AMI) with additional savings expected as consumers take advantage of new energy-saving products and services. In addition to customer savings and new consumer choices, AMI technology will make the entire Con Edison system more responsive and reliable by using data and two-way communications to manage outages and service connections during storms. The new technology is also expected to provide substantial environmental benefits by reducing overall energy demand and a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.

The energy demands of the modern economy, and the need for system resiliency caused by climate trends, create an increasing need for utilities to have detailed awareness of their flow of energy along their transmission and distribution systems. At the same time, customers require increased ability to manage their energy consumption and energy bills. AMI is a proven technology that addresses both of these goals.

With a solid track record of success, smart meters allow for two-way communication between customers and the local utility. Starting in 2017, Con Edison will install 3.6 million electric smart meters and 1.2 million gas smart meters over the next five years. In addition, the rollout of the new system will include plans for customer engagement and protection of customer data privacy.

Con Edison is already working on the sophisticated information technology system that will drive its AMI system. Among its expected customer and system benefits are:

• access to a personalized online portal, accessible through smart phones and smart devices, that will give customers detailed information on how they use energy, including nearly-instantaneous data for more-immediate management of their energy needs;
   
• customers will be able to receive alerts about their usage throughout the month, before the billing period is complete. This feature could prove to be useful in managing energy usage and costs;
   
• empower customers to manage their bills by participating in energy efficiency, demand response and other demand management opportunities presented by a modernized system;
  
  
• utility managers at Con Edison will see conditions on its grid, enabling operation at optimum voltage levels that will reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Con Edison operators will also be able to automatically detect when customers lose power, leading to faster restoration times even without notification from a customer. In some cases, service can be restored remotely, creating a great convenience for customers, while also saving time and money and reducing emissions from company vehicles; and
  
  
• Con Edison will be able to integrate more solar power systems and other distributed energy resources, while customers will be able to use a variety of sensors and “smart appliances” such as smart thermostats, washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners and other computerized energy management systems.  

Reforming the Energy Vision is New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's strategy to build a clean, resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers. REV is transforming New York's energy policy with new state-wide initiatives and regulatory reforms. REV will grow the state’s clean energy economy, support innovation, ensure grid resilience, mobilize private capital, create new jobs, and increase choice and affordability for energy consumers. REV places clean, locally produced power at the core of New York’s energy system. This protects the environment and supports the State’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent while generating 50 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030.

Today’s decision may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 15-E-0050 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.