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For Immediate Release: 12/14/17
John B. Rhodes, Chair
Contact: Jon Sorensen | Jon.Sorensen@dps.ny.gov | (518) 474-7080
17094/17-E-0526
December 14, 2017
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PSC Approves Expansion of Con Edison’s ‘Smart AC’ ProgramInnovative Program Offers Energy Savings for Millions of Customers |
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ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today approved a pilot program for Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. that will enable millions of New York City residents, including public housing residents, to be eligible for cash rebates next summer if they allow Con Edison to remotely control their room air conditioners, without diminishing comfort, during brief periods of high demand for electricity.
“By adding a no-cost, Wi Fi-equipped sensor or ‘smart plug’ to a room air conditioner, Con Edison customers can earn rebates by having their room temperature raised a few degrees for a few hours during times of peak demand – saving money and energy at a critical time,” said Commission Chair John B. Rhodes. “With this decision, the Commission will be encouraging greater innovation and competition, reducing costs and energy demand.”
Approximately 21,000 electricity customers currently participate in Con Edison’s successful “Smart AC” program, but millions more could benefit from the program, earning financial rewards of approximately $25 to $95 per year.
The Commission approved a three-year budget of $7.5 million for the expanded program. Con Edison officials expect the program will encourage more people to purchase energy-efficient air conditioners — making them eligible for greater energy savings and incentive rewards — with new technologies expected in the future, such as advanced air conditioners and ductless heat pumps.
Returning participants to the existing efficiency program could earn up to $24.50 per year for participating in three peak-demand adjustments, typical for an average summer, while new participants could be rewarded with up to $22.50. With a certified Wi Fi-equipped air conditioner, customers can earn $95 or more in rebates and rewards, part of the new authorized pilot program known as Connected Devices.
The Connected Devices pilot is designed to help Con Edison test new “internet of things” controllable devices, demonstrate the effectiveness of those technologies, and run pilot-scale programs to see how the market responds.
While there are 7 million room air conditioners in New York City, today’s order would for the first time include residential units of the New York City Housing Authority even if they are not direct customers of Con Edison. In most of these buildings, the units do not have individual meters. The Wi Fi sensors will be provided free of charge.
Today’s order also allows Con Edison to conduct some tests to determine how many customers and residents are participating ahead of the peak summer demand. Customers can always override the remote signals sent by the utility to control the temperature of their room air conditioners.
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 17-E-0526 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.
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