Press Release

Con Edison hit a new peak in energy demand as of 2 p.m. today by providing 11,858 megawatts in electrical power to its 3.1 million customers, breaking the previous record of 11,850 megawatts set on July 6, 1999. The load is currently 11,939 megawatts.

The Con Edison system is delivering energy to 8.9 million New York City and Westchester residents. The previous peak for this year was set on Tuesday, July 24, when Con Edison provided 11,355 megawatts of electric power to its customers.

Con Edison has more than 4000 employees working around the clock to monitor its system which includes more than 89,000 miles of underground cables, 34,000 miles of overhead lines, 25,000 underground transformers and 201,000 utility poles.

Con Edison is asking all customers to conserve energy by reducing the use of non-essential electrical appliances such as washers, dryers, air conditioners and other energy-intensive equipment. In addition, the utility is urging customers to help maintain service by turning off lights, televisions and computers when not in use.

During this time, Con Edison is in communication with New York City's Office of Emergency Management and the Westchester Office of Emergency Services.

Con Edison is spending $483 million this year on its electrical distribution system as part of a five-year comprehensive $2.4 billion program to enhance reliability and improve infrastructure.

Contact:
Michael Clendenin
(212) 460-4111