GHG Emissions Reductions

We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and firmly support efforts by local, state, and federal agencies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We have reduced our carbon emissions by 49% since 2005. Sixty percent of CECONY’s annual steam production comes from co-generation, which lowers emissions by one million tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) per year. We work voluntarily with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to lower emissions of sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) from our electrical equipment. We joined 40 other companies as a founding partner in the EPA’s Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge Program with the aim of reducing methane emissions. Our residential methane detectors provide customers with a vital warning signal for potential gas leaks. After collaborating with the Environmental Defense Fund, we developed improvements to our leak-detection and repair programs.

We also have begun installing smart meters in our service area, which helps lower carbon emissions through conservation voltage optimization – giving customers just the right amount of voltage they need at their outlets and not more.

Con Edison, Inc. Direct GHG Emissions - Scope 1 (thousand metric tons CO₂e)

8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

2005

1,944

404

3,591

2006

1,037

1,418

397

3,121

2007

1,163

999

392

3,419

2008

1,777

615

385

3,196

2009

2,177

416

376

3,004

2010

2,051

247

373

3,302

2011

2,592

184

368

2,829

2012

2,666

179

346

2,782

2013

2,611

171

293

2,898

2014

2,769

164

283

2,757

2015

2,789

132

276

2,776

2016

2,880

107

267

2,719

2017

2,958

259

2,673

Avoided Emissions Compared to 2005 Baseline
SF₆ Emissions
Methane Emissions
CO₂ Emissions

Scope 1: Direct greenhouse gas emissions from CEI-owned or controlled sources (e.g., steam generating stations)

Steam Environmental Efforts

We strive to provide customers with FDA quality steam, of which 60% is co-generated. Because the steam is co-generated, customers can apply for points toward their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and increase their score in Energy Star’s Portfolio Manager. Our co-generated steam reduces CO₂ emissions by approximately 25% of what would have been otherwise emitted through traditional boilers – that’s equal to removing approximately 200,000 vehicles from the road every year. Our customers also benefit from the advantages of steam being a district heating system through the absence of onsite emissions.

In 2016 and 2017, the steam system achieved its lowest historical fuel oil usage levels, using only 2% fuel oil and 98% natural gas. This was a result of steam system enhancements such as using natural gas as a primary fuel instead of fuel oil and the warmer-than-normal weather that minimized limitations on the gas supply system, which would have required backup fuel.

Energy Efficiency Customers' Emissions

Con Edison and O&R continued to excel in energy efficiency, resulting in lower bills for customers, cleaner air and a solidifying of our No. 1 position for reliable service. We gave customers who chose energy-saving HVAC, lighting, building management systems and other equipment more than $40 million in incentives. As of June 2018, customers got a discount of up to 50% on energy-saving light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs bought directly from Con Edison Marketplace. For a household that uses 10 LED bulbs an average of six hours a day, there’s a potential annual energy savings of $121.65 compared to using incandescent bulbs.

We’re offering households and businesses better ways to reduce their energy usage through advice on how to take advantage of programmable thermostats, sophisticated building management systems, the latest in lighting, and other technologies. Upgrades made by CECONY customers through our energy efficiency programs in 2017 reduced electrical usage by 354,000 megawatt hours and saved 416,000 dekatherms of gas – equal to taking more than 61,000 cars off the road. Since 2009, CECONY has paid customers more than $343 million to make upgrades.

Energy Efficiency – Avoided Emissions (thousand metric tons)

2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017
0.4	33	94	104	99	118	107	191.6	285.5

In 2018, through our residential energy efficiency program, we provided food banks in New York City and Westchester County with 200,000 high-efficiency light bulbs; the food banks then work with affiliated organizations to distribute the packs to Con Edison residential customers who meet income guidelines. The LED bulbs will save an estimated 7.1 terawatt hours of power per year.

We also have energy efficiency programs for multi-family and business customers that offer upgrade incentives to save energy and lower bills. In 2017, CECONY paid out approximately $13 million to commercial and industrial customers, $18 million to small businesses, $7 million to owners of multi-family buildings, and $6 million to residential customers.

O&R energy efficiency programs lowered electrical usage by 32,116 megawatt hours (MWh) and saved 9,202 dekatherms of gas, which is equal to taking 4,522 cars off the road.

Of the total O&R rebates issued during 2017, two large projects are highlighted. One is a large pharmaceutical company in Rockland County, NY, with the total project estimated to save the facility 2,926 MWh, equating to approximately $270,000 per year. The other is a large industrial company in Orange County, NY, estimated to save the customer 2,030 MWh, equating to approximately $220,000 per year.

O&R expanded My ORU Store, its online customer marketplace for energy efficiency products and services. This single online platform delivers a branded marketplace experience offering energy-wise products, home services, and program enrollments. Product categories include LED lighting, advanced power strips, water-energy saving devices, Wi-Fi thermostats, connected home products, portable power, electric vehicle chargers and home services provided by local contractors. My ORU Advisor was also launched, providing customers personalized usage analysis along with comparisons to efficient and similar homes, customized energy saving tips, product recommendations, and the ability to earn rewards for taking simple steps that help save energy and money.

Through My ORU Store, O&R partnered with the local water utility, SUEZ NY, to help support their water conservation program by offering instant rebates to mutual customers on water and energy efficient products. The program strives to help customers save water and energy and in turn lower their utility bills.

Learn more about how energy-efficiency upgrades can save money and protect the environment at our Manage Energy microsite.

O&R 2017 Energy Efficiency Program Savings

Program	Dth	MWh	GHG Reduction (short tons CO₂)	Cars Taken Off the Road	$ Rebates Paid	# Rebates Paid
Commercial Program	–	30,142	20,717	4,408	$3,502,675	481
Residential Program	9,202	1,974	538	115	$536,212	3,781
Total	9,202	32,116	21,255	4,522	$4,038,887	4,262

O&R 2009-2017 Energy Efficiency Program Savings

Program	Dth	MWh	GHG Reduction (short tons CO₂)	Cars Taken Off the Road	$ Rebates Paid	# Rebates Paid
Total	118,673	148,972	103,009	21,917	$25,240,880	25,923

Learn more about the Connected Homes platform:

Reduction of SF₆ Emissions

In the past decade, we have greatly reduced emissions of SF₆ (sulfur hexafluoride), a greenhouse gas with a warming potential more than 22,000 times higher than carbon dioxide. SF₆ is a non-toxic, non-flammable gas that can remain in the atmosphere for up to 3,200 years. There is no viable alternative to SF₆, which is a highly efficient insulating medium and arc extinguisher used throughout the energy industry in different types of equipment, including high-voltage breakers and gas-insulated switchgear. But limiting SF₆ emissions is imperative for a cleaner environment.

In accordance with a 1999 Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Con Edison, we agreed to reduce SF₆ emissions by 5% annually from a 1996 baseline. In 2017, we released about 97% less SF₆ than in 1999. Our reductions in SF₆ emissions have resulted from maintenance programs that address SF₆ gas leaks and targeted replacement of our equipment. To further limit SF₆ emissions, our Fix-It-Now team makes rapid repairs a priority and emphasizes best management practices for gas handling.

Con Edison, Inc. GreenHouse Gas Emissions (million metric tons CO₂e)

2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017

CO₂3.59
CH₄0.4
SF₆1.94

CO₂3.12
CH₄0.4
SF₆1.42

CO₂3.42
CH₄0.39
SF₆1

CO₂3.2
CH₄0.39
SF₆0.62

CO₂3
CH₄0.38
SF₆0.42

CO₂3.3
CH₄0.37
SF₆0.25

CO₂2.83
CH₄0.37
SF₆0.18

CO₂2.78
CH₄0.35
SF₆0.18

CO₂2.9
CH₄0.29
SF₆0.17
OTHER0.03

CO₂2.76
CH₄0.28
SF₆0.16
OTHER0.07

CO₂2.78
CH₄0.28
SF₆0.13

CO₂2.72
CH₄0.27
SF₆0.11

CO₂2.67
CH₄0.26
SF₆0.08

Leaks

Con Edison performs gas leak surveys that far exceed the survey interval requirements prescribed by Federal and NY State regulations for identifying natural gas leaks on a timely basis. And to continuously improve our leak survey process, we seek out new leak detection technology that includes piloting Picarro Surveyor, evaluating ABB Mobileguard, and working with Colorado State University – an expert on methane emissions.

In 2016, as part of the gas rate case settlement, we committed to continue our work with the Environmental Defense Fund and others to further enhance our leak detection efforts.

Methane Challenge

In 2016, Con Edison joined 40 other local distribution companies as a founding partner in the EPA’s Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge program to reduce methane emissions through significant levels of main replacement. As a founding participant in the Natural Gas STAR program since 1993, we welcomed the opportunity to participate in this new partnership as well.

The Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge program is a partnership that allows the EPA to collaborate with partners in promoting and tracking ambitious, transparent commitments to voluntarily reduce methane emissions beyond regulatory requirements. Our company’s goal was to replace 4% of our cast iron and steel mains (without cathodic protection) by the end of 2018; since entering this partnership, we have exceeded that replacement goal by over six miles – having replaced in 2017 86.3 miles of our mains, which represents 4.3% of our total mains inventory. We are also on track to meet or exceed our 2018 goal of 85 miles. (Specific details on how we would reach our goals were in our implementation plan, submitted to the EPA in 2016.) This represents an increase from the period 2014-2016, when we replaced an average of over 70 miles of main annually.

Safety & Environment