Con Edison Price to Compare: A Comprehensive Guide

Con Edison Price To Compare is an essential metric for New York residents seeking the best electricity rates. This comprehensive guide, brought to you by COMPARE.EDU.VN, dives deep into understanding Con Edison’s Price to Compare (PTC), exploring alternative supplier options, and making informed energy choices to save money. Discover ways to analyze electricity prices and secure lower utility bills.

1. Understanding Con Edison’s Service Area

Con Edison (Con Ed) provides electricity to approximately 3.4 million customers in the New York metropolitan area. The service area includes several counties:

Bronx
Brooklyn (Kings)
Manhattan (New York)
Queens
Staten Island (Richmond)
Westchester

Con Ed also serves major cities within these counties, including New York City and New Rochelle. Residents and businesses in these areas depend on Con Ed for reliable electricity, but understanding the pricing structure is key to managing energy costs.

2. How to Compare Con Ed Electricity Rates

Comparing electricity rates in the Con Ed service area is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:

Enter Your Zip Code: Begin by entering your zip code into an online comparison tool.
Select “Electricity”: Ensure that you specify that you are looking for electricity rates.
Choose “Residential” or “Business”: Indicate whether you are a residential or business customer.
Click “Shop for Rates”: This will display available energy suppliers and their rates in your area.

In some zip codes, utility service territories may overlap. If the tool reports multiple utilities serving your area, simply select Con Ed from the list. The result will display a list of available energy suppliers, their plans, rates, contract terms, and links to more detailed information.

3. Setting Up New Con Ed Service

Starting new Con Ed service is easy. You can visit the Con Ed website to start, stop, or move electric and/or gas service. Alternatively, you can apply by calling Con Ed customer service at 1-800-752-6633. Be prepared to provide the following information:

Service Address: The address where you want the service turned on or switched.
Start Date: The date you want the electricity service to begin.
Personal Information: A valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or credit card, to validate your name and prior address. If you cannot provide this, you may need to pay a deposit.
Lease or Deed: Con Ed may require you to prove responsibility for the service by providing a copy of your lease or deed.
Deposit: Con Ed will determine if a deposit is required.

Applicants must have paid all past bills on their Con Edison accounts in full or agree to a deferred-payment plan before a new account can be opened. Con Edison will notify you by letter within three business days if your application has been denied, stating the reason(s) and what you need to do to be approved.

4. Understanding Security Deposits

In New York, utilities generally cannot require new residential customers to pay a security deposit as a condition of receiving service. However, a deposit may be required in certain situations:

Seasonal or Short-Term Customers: If you are a new seasonal or short-term customer.
Late Payments: Existing customers who have made two or more late payments within a 12-month period or are experiencing financial problems may need to pay a deposit.
Disconnected Service: Customers who were previously disconnected or have unpaid energy bills during the preceding six months.

Note: Customers aged 62 or older or those receiving public assistance, supplemental security income, or additional state payments typically do not need to pay a deposit.

If a deposit is required, Con Edison must notify you in writing within three business days, explaining the specific reasons. Under New York law, deposits cannot exceed an estimated two months’ usage. Customers have 20 days to make a payment after receiving the deposit request. They can also pay the full deposit in installments over a 12-month period. Con Edison can hold deposits for residential service for 12 months, and if the customer pays their bill in full and on time for 12 consecutive months, the deposit will earn interest.

5. Decoding Delivery and Supply Charges

New York residential customers pay for both the delivery of electricity and the electricity supply they use.

Delivery Charges: These are fixed-rate charges (tariffs) that cover the cost of transmitting electricity to your home through Con Ed’s power lines. These charges fund the utility’s infrastructure operating costs, maintenance, and profits. Additional usage-based charges may include small costs from riders that fund specific projects or cover fees. Con Edison’s delivery rates are tiered during the summer months (June, July, August, and September), with one rate per kWh for usage at 250 kWh and lower, and a higher rate for usage above 250 kWh. The New York Public Service Commission (NY PSC) must approve Con Ed’s delivery charges. All Con Ed customers pay the same delivery rates, regardless of who supplies their energy.
Supply Charges: These represent the price for the amount of electricity you use. Con Ed customers can choose to get their supply from Con Ed at its “Price to Compare” (PTC). However, New York’s Energy Choice program allows customers to choose energy from competitive retail energy service companies.

6. Understanding Con Ed Zone Charges

New York State is divided into 11 load zones, labeled A through K, managed by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO). These zones affect electricity rates:

New York electric utilities can operate in multiple load zones. Con Edison, for example, serves zones H, I, and J.
Both supply and delivery rates can vary in each zone, meaning your electricity rates depend on the zone in which you live.

7. Breaking Down Con Ed PTC Charges

When deregulation began in New York, utilities sold off their generators. However, the NY PSC requires utilities to provide electricity supply at a default rate to customers who don’t choose a retail supplier. This default rate is known as the “Price to Compare” or PTC. The NY PSC oversees Con Ed’s default service rates, ensuring that these rates represent generation supply costs passed directly to customers without markup.

Price to Compare (PTC)

The PTC default rate represents the actual price (generation + transmission) the utility pays for electricity. It includes the generator company’s price for making the electricity and the cost to transmit it from power stations over high-tension power lines to Con Ed’s local electrical switch yards, from where it’s distributed throughout the local grid.

Con Edison’s PTC rate comprises the Supply charge, the Merchant Function Charge, the Clean Energy Standard Supply Surcharge, and Gross Receipts Taxes and other surcharges. The Supply charge consists of the Market Supply Charge (MSC), which is based on NYISO day-ahead market (DAM) prices, Ancillary Services Charges, New York Power Authority (NYPA) Transmission Adjustment Charges (“NTAC”), and Transco Facilities Charges (“TfC”).

Electricity demand fluctuates seasonally, so Con Edison’s Supply charge rates can vary, often increasing in the summer due to higher air conditioning usage.

Con Edison Current PTC Standard Residential Rate:

18.430 cents per kWh, Zone H, expires 6/30/2025
18.430 cents per kWh, Zone I, expires 6/30/2025
18.430 cents per kWh, Zone J, expires 6/30/2025

8. Cost of Con Ed PTC Charges

According to the NY PSC, Con Edison’s residential usage in 2019 (excluding low income) averaged about 412 kWh each month. Therefore, an average residential PTC bill in Zone I breaks down as follows:

	Rate per 412 kWh Used	Monthly Customer Charge	Total
PTC Supply Rate, Zone I (excluding MFC and other surcharges)	18.430 cents	0	$75.93
Monthly Distribution Charges (non-summer rate, excluding riders)	$0.11976 per kWh	$16.50	$65.84
Total Bill			$141.77

9. Navigating New York Energy Choice

New York electric consumers can choose to buy electricity from Energy Service Companies (ESCOs). These alternative suppliers secure deals with various producers on the wholesale market to offer competitive rates. Their rates are not controlled by the NY PSC and do not include the complicated supply surcharges that Con Edison includes in its monthly PTC rate. As a result, ESCOs can offer competitively priced fixed-rate plans for various term lengths.

Shopping for electricity plans is straightforward, but it’s crucial to find a plan that meets your specific needs. Retail energy suppliers in New York offer two main types of plans:

Fixed Rates: These plans have a rate set at the same price over the contract term. Customers can rely on stable energy rates for plans lasting from 3 to 36 months. However, many fixed-rate plans come with early cancellation fees if you break the contract.
Variable Rates: If you want to avoid being tied to an electricity plan for months or years, a variable plan is a good option. Variable plan rates can change from month to month depending on the price of electricity supply. While there’s no contract, there’s also no guarantee that your rate won’t increase. However, these plans typically don’t have termination fees, offering the flexibility to shop for new rates and switch to better deals without penalty.

10. Understanding Your Energy Usage and Con Ed Bill

While your energy usage habits are unique, New York experiences bitterly cold winters and muggy summers. Your biggest energy usage will typically follow the weather, but domestic activities like cooking and cleaning also contribute to your monthly bill.

Want to learn more about your home energy usage? Con Edison customers can track 24 months of their home’s electric usage plus other relevant information on each monthly bill or by logging on to their Con Ed account.

To cut your energy bills, reduce your usage by sealing doors and windows against drafts. Adding insulation to your attic, sealing and insulating your basement, and purchasing a programmable or smart thermostat can also improve your home’s energy efficiency. Your utility company can provide resources and may offer programs to help improve your home’s energy performance.

Understanding Your Con Ed Bill

Your Con Ed bill contains many details that can be confusing. Here’s a breakdown of the most important items on a sample Con Ed Electric bill:

A: Billing Information: This section shows the amount due and the payment due date. It also includes your name, 15-digit Con Ed account number, service address, and the next meter read date.
B: Billing Summary: This details the bill’s date, the billing period, the amount paid in your last bill, and the current charges due. The line below also shows the date of the next meter read.
C: Usage Summary: This section shows your average daily electric usage for the year and your average daily natural gas usage, helping you compare your energy usage to the average daily temperature for each month.
D: Message Center: This is where you can find important notifications from Con Ed.
E: Billing Payment Stub: This includes your 15-digit Con Ed account number, the service address, the amount due, and the due date. The stub is pre-addressed for mailing your payment.
F: The top of Page 2 shows your 15-digit Con Ed account number. The section below shows usage information, including the read date, meter number, metering numbers, and total usage. Below this are the charges due from your Electric Generation Supplier.
G: This section shows Con Ed’s monthly delivery charges and rate, and the total Con Ed charges due. Sections immediately below detail your natural gas charges in terms of supply and delivery charges.
H: This section provides helpful reference information about your bill from Con Edison. Here you can find more specific information on bill terms, charges, and surcharges.
I: This shows your bill payment options, including online, phone, and in-person methods. You can also set up autopay.

11. Con Edison Coupons, Energy Promotions, Discounts, Rebates, and Promo Codes

Con Ed offers several rebate and energy efficiency programs to help customers save money and improve their home’s energy performance. These programs offer money-saving incentives and can make paying monthly bills easier.

Program Name	Program Type	Benefit
HVAC Rebates Program	Energy Efficiency Rebate Program	Residential and multifamily home customers can take advantage of significant rebates on high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, including geothermal, central air conditioning, ductless systems, and water heating. Customers can get instant rebates up to $550 off the installation of new systems.
Appliance Rebate Program	Energy Efficiency Rebate Program	Rebates on energy-saving LED bulbs, water heaters, washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, ventilation fans, and dehumidifiers. Rebates range from $25 to $400. Shop the online Con Ed Marketplace.
Residential Energy Assessment & Upgrades	Energy Efficiency Program	Qualifying customers can sign up for $6,500 upgrades to improve their home’s energy efficiency. Inspect your home, install energy-saving insulation, and make HVAC upgrades.
No-cost Energy Efficiency Upgrades	Residential Energy Efficiency	Partnership with NYSERDA to provide no-cost energy efficiency upgrades to eligible customers. Includes a free energy audit, installation of high-efficiency lighting, attic and wall insulation, and replacement of old appliances.
Con Ed Payment Arrangements	Bill payment assistance	Payment arrangements allow residential customers to pay their balance in monthly installments. Arrangements are based on the balance amount, income, household size, and payment history.
Con Ed Energy Share	Bill payment assistance	If you have an active disconnect notice, you may qualify for up to $200 toward your bill once every three years. Applicants must be HEAP income eligible and provide proof of one good faith payment.
Low Income Discount	Bill payment assistance	Discounts for low-income families enrolled in eligible programs like HEAP, SNAP, SSI, Direct Vendor or Utility Guarantee, TANF, Medicaid, and SNA.

12. Reading Con Ed Reviews

Customers can gain insight into Con Ed’s service quality by comparing it to similar large-scale utilities. Con Ed ranks in the top five in J.D. Power’s 2020 utility residential customer satisfaction study and scored well on Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies 2021 Survey.


NY Energy Ratings Score	Better Business Bureau	J.D. Power 2020 Electricity Utility Study	Newsweek’s Americas Most Responsible Companies 2021 Survey
N/A	Not Accredited, Not Rated	759 of 1000 points	Score: 65.4/100, Rank: 314/399

13. How to Get the Cheapest Con Ed Rate

Shopping for a new Con Ed Customer Choice Plan can seem daunting. To make the process easier, have these three things with you:

Your Current Bill: Your past usage can help estimate monthly costs for different plans.
The Current Con Ed PTC and Expiration Date: Knowing the PTC lets you compare rates offered by retail energy suppliers.
Your Con Ed Customer Account Number: This 15-digit number is on your bill and allows you to sign up with a retail supplier immediately.

14. Essential Shopping Questions for Con Ed Customers

Asking the right questions is key to making an informed choice and saving money. When shopping for electricity service in New York, be sure to ask:

Is the rate variable or fixed?
Is the rate competitive with the current Con Ed supply rate?
How long is the contract term?
Does the contract term last longer than Con Ed’s PTC rate?
Are there any recurring monthly charges?
Is there an early cancellation fee?
Does the supplier offer any incentives or rewards programs?
What happens when the contract expires?

15. Contacting Con Ed for Billing Problems or Electricity Outages

Con Ed Billing Problems

The NY PSC requires all New York public utilities to offer “budget billing,” where annual electricity costs are averaged out over the year to avoid unexpectedly high bills.

Contact Con Ed Customer Service at 1-800-752-6633 if you’re having trouble paying your bill. Have your account number ready.
You can apply for a payment extension by calling Con Ed Customer Service or applying online.

Con Ed Emergencies and Outages

Power lines are extremely dangerous! Never attempt to move a downed power line yourself. Call 911 and then notify Con Ed.

Report safety hazards involving power lines immediately to Con Ed at 1-800-914-9112.
You can also report downed lines or outages on Con Ed’s website.
Check Con Ed’s current electric outages as they are being repaired.

16. Con Ed Service Area Providers

Company	Rating	Phone
Frontier Utilities	(3.4/5)
Direct Energy	(3.3/5)	(866) 645-2643
Constellation	(3.3/5)	855-798-9075
Spark Energy	(3/5)	(866) 605-8658
Major Energy	(2.9/5)	(866) 607-4735
Verde Energy	(2.8/5)
Kiwi Energy	(0/5)
Spring Power & Gas	(0/5)

17. New York Zip Codes with the Cheapest Electricity Rates

11368

11226

11373

11220

11385

10467

10025

11208

11236

11207

18. Latest Con Ed News

Why Are Con Edison Charges So High? How Do Con Edison Charges Stack Up?OMG! Learn how Con Edison distribution charges compare to other east coast utility companies and what you can do to cut your New York City electric… read more

What Are Shoulder Months and Why Should I Switch Now? Capitalize on Shoulder Month SavingsLearn how shopping and comparing New York electricity rates during the shoulder months can help you save more on your future monthly utility… read more

Con Ed Leads NY Utility Rate Hike First Utility Rate Hike Hits NY in AugustUtility customers across New York face paying higher and higher delivery rates on their bills. Learn which utilities are adding to your electricity… read more

FAQ: Con Edison Price to Compare

What is Con Edison’s Price to Compare (PTC)?
Con Edison’s PTC is the default rate for electricity supply provided to customers who do not choose an alternative energy supplier. It represents the actual cost Con Edison pays for electricity generation and transmission.
How often does Con Edison’s PTC change?
Con Edison’s PTC can vary seasonally due to fluctuations in electricity demand and market prices. Rates are typically adjusted monthly.
Where can I find Con Edison’s current PTC?
You can find Con Edison’s current PTC on your monthly bill or on the Con Edison website. Look for the “Price to Compare” section.
Why should I compare Con Edison’s PTC with other energy suppliers?
Comparing rates allows you to explore potentially lower electricity prices from alternative suppliers. This can lead to significant savings on your monthly bill.
What are ESCOs, and how do they differ from Con Edison?
ESCOs (Energy Service Companies) are alternative energy suppliers that purchase electricity on the wholesale market and offer competitive rates to consumers. Unlike Con Edison, their rates are not regulated by the NY PSC.
What types of plans do ESCOs offer?
ESCOs typically offer fixed-rate and variable-rate plans. Fixed-rate plans provide price stability over a contract term, while variable-rate plans fluctuate with market prices.
Are there any risks associated with choosing an ESCO?
Yes, some ESCOs may have hidden fees or unfavorable contract terms. It’s important to carefully review the terms of service and contract summary before signing up.
How do I switch to an ESCO?
Switching is usually simple. You’ll need your Con Edison account number and service address. You can sign up online or by contacting the ESCO directly.
Will I still receive a bill from Con Edison if I switch to an ESCO?
Yes, Con Edison will continue to send you a single bill that includes charges for both electricity delivery and supply. The supply charges will reflect the rate from your chosen ESCO.
What factors should I consider when choosing an energy plan?
Consider the rate type (fixed or variable), contract term, any associated fees, customer reviews, and the supplier’s reputation. Assess your energy usage habits to determine the best plan for your needs.

COMPARE.EDU.VN understands the challenges in comparing energy options and is here to help you make informed decisions.

Ready to take control of your energy costs? Visit COMPARE.EDU.VN today to explore detailed comparisons and find the best electricity plan for your needs. Our comprehensive resources make it easy to understand your options and make confident decisions. Contact us at 333 Comparison Plaza, Choice City, CA 90210, United States or call our Whatsapp at +1 (626) 555-9090. Let compare.edu.vn guide you to a brighter, more affordable energy future.