When it comes to Electrical Service in New York NY is an electrical service mecca. The city was the first in the world to establish a centralized electric distribution system in 1883. Also known as the “City That Never Sleeps,” New York is known for its many electrical needs. Whether you’re looking to install a new chandelier or plug in a television, you’ll find a wide variety of services to meet your needs.
Electricity
Historically, the prices of electricity in New York City were set by public utilities, which meant consumers had little choice but to pay them. However, the state of New York deregulated the energy industry in 1996, allowing customers to choose from a wide variety of providers, based on cost, contract length and the availability of renewable energy sources.
Electricity produced in New York City travels thousands of miles through an underground power grid to reach homes. This vast network includes 129,935 miles of power cables. Con Ed, one of the six main electric utilities in New York, spends millions of dollars each year digging and upgrading its vast underground network. However, this rapid response comes at a price. Electricity rates in New York City are among the highest in the country.
Gas
Gas and electric service providers in New York, NY are owned by the New York State Electric and Gas Company (NYSEG). NYSEG serves nearly 40% of upstate New York and has over 900,000 electricity customers. Founded in 1929, the company has expanded its services and territory since its inception. Today, it operates more than 35,000 miles of electricity distribution lines.
Natural gas is a major source of electricity in New York. About half of the electricity in the state is produced by 64 natural gas plants. According to the New York Independent System Operator, these plants generate electricity, which is a carbon-free source. However, recent decisions have cast doubt on the state’s ability to meet its clean energy goals.
Electricity construction
With the passing of Local Law 154 in December, New York City has taken the first step toward electrifying its buildings. The new law requires new construction to use 70 percent renewable electricity by 2030 and become a net-zero-emissions building by 2040. The legislation is likely to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.1 million tons by 2040 and save hundreds of millions of dollars on new gas connections.
While some building owners are converting to electricity for their new projects, others are keeping gas lines for specific uses. For example, a new development in New York City, called Park 79, is converting a former single-room occupancy hotel into luxury apartments. The renovation includes new elevators, heat pumps, new appliances, and updated finishes. A former gas boiler could not fit in the building’s basement, so it’s being replaced with an all-electric heating and cooling system.
Installation of fixtures
A qualified electrical service in New York, NY can install fixtures safely and professionally. New fixtures with existing wiring do not need permits, but if the wiring needs to be redone, a permit is necessary and may add $20 to $100 to the cost of the installation. Most of the cost of installation is labor, and most electricians charge about $50 to $100 an hour. It takes one to three hours to install one light fixture, so you may want to have several installations done at once to save money.
Payment options
New York residents have several payment options when it comes to their electric bills. They can pay via phone, online, or through a payment agency. Some companies will automatically withdraw money from their bank accounts each month or charge their credit card. Some electric companies also accept payments through the mail. To make a payment through the mail, customers must register and login to their account.
In New York, there are three major utility companies. The investor-owned Con Ed is responsible for supplying electricity and gas to much of the State. Another investor-owned company is Central Hudson Electric and Gas, which provides service in the Hudson Valley. In New York City, Con Ed is responsible for electric and gas service throughout the city and Westchester County.