The insider angle

Three things ConEd never tells you upfront

  • 1.Lead time matters more than you think. The 24-hour minimum works for live meters; for de-energised or brand-new meters it can take a week. Always call at least 3 business days out, especially before a weekend move.
  • 2.The deposit is capped by state rule, not by ConEd. Under NY PSC 16 NYCRR Part 13, the deposit cannot exceed twice the estimated average monthly bill. ConEd must return it (with interest) after 12 consecutive months of on-time payments.
  • 3.ESCO assignment is not instant. If you sign with an ESCO at move-in, ConEd default supply applies for one to two billing cycles. The ESCO rate kicks in on the second or third bill, never the first.

Move-in step by step

1

Three business days out: call ConEd

Dial 1-800-752-6633 or open the request through My Account at coned.com. Have your name, move-in date, new address, contact info, and SSN ready.

2

Soft-credit check + deposit decision

ConEd may run a soft credit check. A deposit is requested only if your credit profile or prior ConEd history triggers it. The deposit is refundable after 12 months of on-time payment.

3

Account opened, default supply applies

Your account is created instantly on the live-meter side. If the meter needs energising, allow up to 24 hours for a re-energise visit and up to 10 business days for brand-new connections.

4

(Optional) Pick an ESCO

You can sign with an ESCO at any time after the meter is live. The switch takes one to two billing cycles to show on your bill. Compare rates first using our NY supplier directory.

5

Set up AutoPay + paperless

Activate Direct Pay through My Account. ConEd will pull the balance 10 days after each statement; no late fees possible. Toggle on paperless billing while you are there.

6

Check EAP / HEAP eligibility

If your household qualifies for HEAP, you are usually automatically eligible for ConEd\'s EAP discount. Apply through NY OTDA at otda.ny.gov/programs/heap.

Supply and delivery: what changes when you move in

Every ConEd bill splits into two halves. Delivery is the wires-and-mains half and never changes; ConEd is always your delivery utility. Supply is the energy itself: default supply from ConEd (pass-through wholesale price, no markup) or a contract with an ESCO.

Picking an ESCO at move-in is optional. The NY PSC has repeatedly found that the average residential ESCO customer pays more than the utility default over multi-year periods. Take the default unless you can show a fixed-price ESCO offer that beats it for the full contract term.

More background: how New York opened its energy market in 1998 and what it means for residential customers.

Documents to have on hand

  • ·Full name and date of birth.
  • ·The exact move-in address (including apartment number).
  • ·The move-in date.
  • ·Your phone number and (optionally) email.
  • ·SSN or driver\'s licence number for ID verification.
  • ·Lease type (owner / renter) if you are renting.
  • ·Bank account details if you want to set AutoPay during the same call.

Move-in contact

Call Con Edison to start service

Phone: 1-800-752-6633 (24/7 for emergencies; routing 1:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.)

Online: coned.com

Walk-in: see the customer-service guide for every borough and county office.

Frequently asked questions

At least 3 business days before move-in is safest. ConEd accepts requests as little as 24 hours out for already-energised meters, but a few days of buffer lets you fix any address or ID issue before move-day. For new construction or de-energised meters, allow up to 10 business days.

Maybe. ConEd may request a deposit if you have no prior Con Ed account, a recent disconnection on file, or a low credit score on the soft-credit check. Deposits are capped by the NY PSC rules at roughly twice the average monthly bill, and ConEd refunds the deposit (with interest) after 12 months of on-time payment.

Photo ID, SSN or driver's licence number, the move-in date, the full new address, and a contact phone. If you are renting, expect to confirm your lease type. ConEd may also ask the meter number on a digital meter if it is already installed.

Your account is opened in ConEd default supply first. If you actively pick an ESCO, the switch typically takes one to two billing cycles to take effect; meanwhile ConEd default supply applies. There is no advantage to rushing this; ConEd default supply has zero markup on the wholesale price, so the only reason to switch is if you find a fixed-price ESCO offer that beats it consistently.

Yes for moves into an already-energised meter; ConEd accepts new-customer signup through the My Account portal at coned.com. For first-time service at a brand-new address, a phone call to 1-800-752-6633 is more reliable.

Open your account anyway; ConEd will close the previous tenant's account effective your move-in date. If the previous tenant has unpaid balances, those stay on their account and never transfer to yours.

More Con Edison guides

MOVE OUT Moving out Closing a ConEd account. PAY Bill pay Every payment channel ranked. BILL Understanding your bill Line by line. SUPPLIERS NY ESCO directory Licensed suppliers in ConEd territory. CONTACT Customer service Phone routing + walk-ins. CONEDISON Con Edison hub The utility overview.
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