Navigating Con Edison Regulations ‐ Tips For Building Owners

For building owners in New York City, keeping up with Con Edison regulations, local laws, and energy rebate programs can be overwhelming. Working with experts like Slattery Energy Consulting Group, led by Jim Slattery, can make the difference between leaving money on the table and maximizing your energy-savings opportunities. Below, we explore what building owners should know—and actionable tips—for navigating this landscape.

Understanding Recent Con Edison / FERC Developments

Con Edison recently proposed recommendations to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) aimed at protecting consumers from unjustifiable price spikes, especially when markets are not competitive. The FERC has accepted some of these recommendations, underscoring the need for greater regulatory oversight of Con Edison’s operations to ensure fairness in rates and the treatment of customers.

This means that, for building owners, certain protections are in place against volatile energy pricing, particularly during peak demand or when wholesale market flaws have allowed excess costs to be passed down to end users. It’s essential to stay aware of how Con Edison’s rate structures and regulatory guidance policies evolve, as these affect both operating costs and compliance burdens.

Key Local Laws & Energy Regulations

NYC has several laws and regulations that affect building owners, from emissions and benchmarking to energy use and gas infrastructure policies. For example, Local Law 97 (Climate Mobilization Act) imposes emissions limits on large buildings, requires reporting, and mandates action to reduce greenhouse gases by certain deadlines.

Compliance is not optional—fines, penalties, or increased energy costs can follow when buildings fail to meet mandated limits. Being proactive with energy audits, upgrades, or retrofits is key. Understanding Con Edison’s regulatory oversight (at the state and federal levels) is also part of that proactive strategy.

Energy Rebates & Incentive Programs

Beyond regulations, there are many opportunities for financial assistance:

• Con Edison’s Commercial & Industrial Energy Efficiency Program includes the Equipment Rebate Program (for lighting, HVAC, motors, etc.) and Custom Programs for specialized efficiency measures. Projects must be pre-approved, and incentives are based on verified savings.

• The Affordable Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program, for buildings with 5+ units, offers up to $2,000 per dwelling unit in incentives depending on the scope and point system.

• State-level programs under NYSERDA, Inflation Reduction Act rebates, etc., which may help with insulation, heat pumps, panel upgrades, etc.

Tips for Building Owners: What You Can Do

1. Hire or consult an energy consultant or energy broker like Slattery Energy—experts who understand NYC gas consulting, Con Edison rules, and incentive eligibility.

2. Perform energy audits early to identify inefficiencies and gap areas and to design projects that qualify for rebate/incentive programs.

3. Monitor compliance deadlines under laws like Local Law 97, benchmarking (Local Law 84), etc., to avoid penalties and pace your upgrade plan.

4. Pre-approve projects with Con Edison before starting work, when required by their programs, so that your rebates are valid.

5. Track regulation changes, including FERC decisions or Con Edison filings, as rate or tariff changes may affect costs and project economics.

Navigating NYC Energy Regulations

At Slattery Energy Consulting Group, we partner with building owners to navigate Con Edison regulations, local laws, and energy rebate opportunities. With our guidance under Jim Slattery’s leadership, we help you not only stay compliant but also maximize savings and position your property for the future. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation.