Con Ed offers incentives for reduced power usage

Con Edison said it is expanding its demand response program for participating commercial and industrial customers that temporarily reduce their use of electricity on certain hot summer days.

The new program incentives, designed to take effect this summer, will increase payments for commercial customers that commit to reducing their electricity use by a minimum of 50 kilowatts when requested.

For example, customers may be asked to reduce their electricity use when it is necessary to lower the demand on Con Edison”™s local distribution system. This may occur when the use of electricity is at its highest during peak times, on the hottest summer days.

Customers may reduce their electricity use by dimming lights, turning off equipment not in use or raising the temperature on indoor cooling systems.

Customers will be compensated for the electricity not used during a power-curtailment event. They may also receive monthly compensation for guaranteed reduction in electricity consumption.

For information and to apply to the 2008 Demand Response Program, call 1-800-643-1289, or visit www.coned.com/dr.