Con Edison initiative makes energy efficiency upgrades more affordable in southeast Queens

Con Edison is expanding its popular Small-Medium Business Neighborhood Program into southeast Queens with additional incentives and special offers that could cover up to the total cost of installing energy efficient upgrades for eligible customers.

The initiative enables small and medium businesses and nonprofits to benefit from an immediate return on their energy saving investment boosting their bottom line. The energy efficiency investments include LED lighting, lighting controls and refrigeration as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.

“Fixed or hard costs are expenses every business incurs that are nearly impossible to reduce, but Con Edison is changing that thinking for businesses in our community that could benefit the most,” Greater Jamaica Development Corporation President & CEO Justin Rodgers said. “Energy efficiency upgrades will have an immediate impact for business owners and we are glad to help introduce this program across southeast Queens.”

Now, the Neighborhood Program includes business and nonprofit customers who use a peak of 300 kilowatts or less and are located in the neighborhoods of Briarwood, Jamaica, Queens Village, Bellerose, Floral Park, Hollis, South Jamaica, St. Albans, Cambria Heights, Laurelton, Brookville and Rosedale.

“Con Edison’s Neighborhood Program is going to provide a serious leg up for eligible small businesses and nonprofits in southeast Queens who have not had the means to tackle energy efficiency upgrades until now,” state Senator Leroy Comrie said. “I’m grateful to see this initiative move forward from Con Edison and I strongly encourage those who are qualified to apply and participate to learn how the Neighborhood Program can benefit them and Southeast Queens consumers.”

More than 10,000 Con Edison Neighborhood Program customers in Brooklyn and Queens have already reduced their energy use by 219 gigawatt hours annually. One gigawatt is enough energy to power 110 million LED lights.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our local organizations to reduce their energy consumption, lower utility bills and contribute to a more sustainable future,” Councilwoman Nantasha Williams said. “I encourage all eligible businesses and nonprofits in southeast Queens to take advantage of this program, and make a positive impact on both their bottom line and the environment.”

Neighborhood Program customers have reduced the cost of their projects by an additional $59 million. Con Edison pays the contractor directly and the customer pays the difference if there is one. There is no waiting for rebates and the energy savings begin right away.

“Con Edison’s Small-Medium Business Neighborhood Program expanding into Southeast Queens offers incentives and offers for eligible customers and businesses to save. The offer includes lighting, refrigeration and HVAC equipment that would allow for an immediate return on energy saving investments to businesses and non-profit customers who use 300 kilowatts or less,” Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman said. “This opportunity’s availability to members of southeast Queens allows for businesses and customers to use the most of their energy, while saving money.”

For more information visit coned.com/neighborhood.