Umair Gaines
New York City's electricity is provided by Con Edison, also known as ConEd. The process of setting up electricity varies based on the utility. The first step is to create a moving day checklist, which includes making a list of all the services at your current address and sending them an end-of-service notice. Next, you need to contact ConEd to open an account and start the service. You can do this by calling them or applying online. Once your account is set up, you can choose an alternate Energy Services Company (ESCO) as your energy supplier. The cost to run electricity to vacant land is $5 to $25 per linear foot, and trenching costs $5 to $12 per foot.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a utility provider
Setting up utilities when moving to New York City can be a daunting task, especially with the many options and providers available. Firstly, you will need to establish an account with a utility provider. Depending on your area, your utility provider will be one of the following:
Con Edison
Con Edison, also known as ConEd, provides electricity to most of New York City, serving nearly 10 million people in NYC and Westchester County. It also provides natural gas service to residents of Manhattan, the Bronx, and Northern Queens.
National Grid
National Grid is a multinational electric and gas utility provider serving the UK and parts of the US. In New York City, it provides gas service to Brooklyn, Staten Island, and most of Queens, including the Rockaways.
Once you have opened an account with either Con Edison or National Grid, you can choose an alternate Energy Services Company (ESCO) as your energy provider. It is recommended to shop around for the best price and service in your area.
To avoid scams, be aware that legitimate energy companies will not send salespeople to your door or threaten you with deadlines. Before signing up, check the New York State Public Service Commission's scorecard for ratings based on customer complaints.
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Setting up an account
Setting up an electricity account in New York can be a daunting experience, especially for those moving to NYC for the first time. The first step is to create a moving day checklist. Make a list of all the services at your current address, find their contact details on old utility bills, and send them an end-of-service notice. Next, contact the utility providers at your new address and open an account.
There are two main utility providers in NYC: Con Edison and National Grid. Con Edison provides service throughout most of NYC, while parts of Brooklyn are covered by National Grid. You can open an account with either provider by calling them or applying online. You will need to provide your name and contact details, including a phone number, email address, and current address. You will also need to provide the service address and the date on which you would like to commence service.
Once you have opened an account with a utility provider, you can shop around for an Energy Services Company (ESCO) to be your energy supplier. You will receive two separate bills for your electricity: one from your ESCO and one from your utility provider. This is because your ESCO charges you for supply-related costs, while your utility provider is responsible for delivering your electricity.
If you are moving, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment to start your service up to a week before you move. This will ensure that a crew member can visit your home to turn on your service, and you won't be left without power on moving day.
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Costs
The cost of electricity in New York depends on various factors, including the electricity supplier, the type of energy plan, and the location of the property. Here is a breakdown of the costs involved:
Electricity Rates
The average electric rates in New York are around 26 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), resulting in an average monthly electricity bill of about $290. This translates to an annual cost of approximately $3,480, which is 38% higher than the national average electric bill. Over 25 years, electricity bills in New York can be expected to total $107,400.
Energy Suppliers
In New York, residents have the power to choose their energy supplier due to energy deregulation. This has introduced competition among energy service companies (ESCOs), allowing customers to shop around for the best rates and services. Notable ESCOs in New York include Constellation, Public Power, and Clearview Energy.
Connection Costs
The cost of connecting electricity to a property depends on factors such as distance, installation type, and whether it is an underground or overhead service. The average cost to run electricity from the road to a house is $2,500 to $12,500, or $5 to $25 per linear foot. Trenching, which involves digging a trench for electrical conduit, typically costs $5 to $12 per foot. Electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour to install the home's meter socket and connect the lines from the nearest transformer to the house.
Alternative Energy Sources
Solar panel installation is an alternative option for generating electricity, with costs ranging from $10,600 to $26,500. While solar panels may have a high upfront cost, they can lead to significant savings over time. In New York, the average payback period for a solar system is about 8.88 years, after which the system may start earning you money. Additionally, community solar programs in New York can save residents 5-15% in electricity costs annually.
Additional Costs
There may be additional costs associated with setting up utilities in New York, such as the cost of a new construction land survey ($400 to $1,800), land clearing ($1,150 to $3,680), grading land ($1,000 to $5,000), and leveling a yard ($500 to $5,000). These costs can vary depending on the location, site conditions, and service providers.
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Connection process
The process of connecting electricity to your home in New York State depends on your utility provider and whether electricity has been previously deactivated.
Firstly, you should contact your utility provider. In New York, you can decide who provides your electricity. The utility providers in the state include Con Edison and National Grid. You can open an account with your chosen provider by calling them or applying online. You will need to provide your name and contact details, including a phone number, email address, and current address, as well as the service address and the date on which to commence service.
If electricity has been previously deactivated at your new address, a technician may need to visit your home to turn it on. This can take up to 5 business days and is dependent on technician availability. You can speed up this process by having a meter reading to give to your provider when you call, as many utilities allow activation over the phone.
If you are renting in NYC, gas will probably be included in your rent. Discuss this with your landlord upfront. If gas is not included, you will need to get your own account. Once you have opened an account with a utility provider, you can choose an Energy Services Company (ESCO) to be your energy supplier. You can shop around for the best price and service in your area.
It is a good idea to start your service the day before you move in to ensure that the lights will be on when you arrive.
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Alternative energy sources
New York is actively transitioning towards renewable energy sources, with a goal of achieving 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. This shift is evident in the state's plans to phase out natural gas-fired plants and promote the use of clean energy alternatives.
One of the most prominent alternative energy sources in New York is hydropower, which provided 22% of the state's total generation in 2023, surpassing nuclear power. The New York Power Authority (NYPA), the largest state public utility in the country, generates over 80% of its electricity from hydropower. Small installations on rivers and streams use running or falling water to drive turbines that generate electricity.
Solar energy is another important alternative. New York is a leader in residential solar adoption, driven by high electricity prices and attractive solar incentives. Solar energy systems convert sunlight directly into electricity, providing a clean and renewable source of power.
Wind power is also being explored as a potential energy source. New York conducted a $1 million study in 2021 and 2022 to assess the feasibility of developing offshore wind farms in Lakes Erie and Ontario. Additionally, residents with at least an acre of land can install small wind turbines on their property, contributing to the state's renewable energy goals.
Biomass, which uses organic waste such as wood, plant materials, and landfill gases to generate electricity, is another alternative energy source in New York. The state's Green Power Program promotes the development and use of these renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, biomass, and hydropower.
New York is committed to reducing its dependence on traditional, non-renewable energy sources and fostering the development of renewable energy generation resources. This transition is expected to have positive environmental, economic, and public health impacts, including reduced air pollutants and lower energy costs for residents.
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Frequently asked questions
To set up electricity in NYC, you need to open an account with Con Edison by calling them at 1-800-752-6633 or by applying online. If you are calling from outside the city, call 1-212-243-1900. Once you have an account, you can choose an Energy Services Company (ESCO) to be your energy provider.
You can shop around for the best price and service in your area. After signing up with an ESCO, you will receive two separate bills for electricity—one from your ESCO and one from your traditional utility company.
Setting up electricity can take up to 5 business days and depends on technician availability. It is recommended that you contact your utility provider at least a week before you move in so that power is on by the time you arrive.
