Beat the 39% ConEd Steam Price Hike with These Tips

Con Edison announced a sweeping rate increase today for buildings heated using city steam.

Effective today ConEd city steam prices will increase 14%, and they will continue to increase 39% over the next three years. With energy costs at record highs and Local Law 97 fines starting next year, many city steam buildings are at risk for catastrophic budget hits.

The good news is if you haven’t implemented these measures below, together they are the most effective way to offset the rate increase:

• Smart Controls that control the city steam modulating valve using indoor temperatures.
• Make sure your vacuum system is working properly and pulling at least 6 mmHg.
• Address in-unit issues making apartments colder like ensuring all windows are fully closed (even at the top!) and PTAC valves are working.  

These might seem like bread-and-butter measures, but together they can reduce your ConEd steam usage by 10-40% - enough to offset a large chunk of the upcoming increases.