Click on the Link below for Con Ed Electric Service Installation Requirements. Con Ed Blue Book
http://www.coned.com/es/specs/electricbluebook.pdf

Click on the Link below for Con Ed contact info:
http://www.coned.com/es/contacts.pdf

Con Ed Project Management Page for Work Requests, Final Inspections and Project Status
http://www.coned.com/es/projman/esprojman.asp

September 2008

PERSONAL NOTE:
Hello everyone, as I write this article I am convalescing at home recuperating from knee surgery. I am hopefully working out so to be back in time to attend our monthly meetings here at Con Edison on the Monday after Labor Day. It has been a hot summer and I’m sure we were not happy with the rise of the electric rates for summer period. The deregulation of the electric utilities and making the supply of electric market driven has hurt us all in this business. Electricity is vital for everything we do and it should not be so expensive that the average citizen has to conserve electric use in order to keep cool. We need to be able to have our elected officials pass legislation to support solar energy, incentives for alternate fuel use and support nuclear energy. Whoever is going to be our next president will have sometime trying to sort it out and ensure that electric bills for residential homes and the small business customers are affordable for all tax paying citizens. Getting off my soap box here is the update.

INVESTING IN NEW YORK’S FUTURE
As growth continues in our region, new building projects and housing depend on having a reliable energy infrastructure. Con Edison has an overall three-year $5.5 billion capital program to enhance its electric delivery system. The company will also pursue new energy-efficiency initiatives and conservation programs to reduce demand by at least 500 megawatts by 2015, offsetting the need to build a large power plant.

RECORD ELECTRIC SENDOUT FOR A HOT MONTH OF JULY
July set a record for monthly electricity sendout of 6,702,321 megawatt hours, surpassing the previous mark of 6,649,832 used during August 2005. Sendout is the cumulative amount of energy distributed over the company’s power grid. The July sendout translates to 6.7 billion kilowatt hours. A typical Con Edison customer in New York City uses approximately 350 kilowatt hours a month.
This new monthly record represents more than the amount of electricity used in Vermont or Alaska for an entire year. In addition, the weekend of July 19 and 20 was the second-highest record for weekend electricity sendout of 458,081 megawatt hours.

The company is investing more than $1.7 billion this year to upgrade and reinforce its electric delivery system, while continuing to urge the creation of more energy efficiency programs, for the more than 9 million people in New York City and Westchester County.

REPORT POWER PROBLEMS
In case you do receive calls from your customers for no power, partial dim or flickering lights and you are sure it wasn’t your work then inform the caller to call 1-800-75-CONED 1(800)752-6633 or visit www.conEd.com If you want to use the web then click the “Report an electric service problem” link that appears on our home page. It is important that you have the phone number or the associated account number available when reporting.

All The Best,
Luke Monaghan

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August 2008

ATTENTION ALL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, CONSULTANTS, ENGINEERS, ETC.:

FOR YOUR INFORMATION AND USE, PLEASE BE ADVISED OF THE FOLLOWING ELECTRIC BLUE BOOK CHANGE:

SPECIFICATION NUMBER EO-16883-B, (REV. 8, 7/08): "CUSTOMER'S PROPERTY POLE FOR LOW TENSION SERVICE", FOUND ON PAGE 78C OF THE ELECTRIC BLUE BOOK HAS BEEN UPDATED.

TO UPDATE YOUR ELECTRIC BLUE BOOK:

VISIT http://www.coned.com/es, SELECT "RESOURCES".
THEN SELECT "ELECTRIC" BLUE BOOK.
FIND SPECIFICATION EO-16883-B IN THE TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGES.

DOWNLOAD (PRINT) THE SPECIFICATION FOUND ON PAGE 78C.
REMOVE "OLD" PAGE FROM YOUR EBB AND REPLACE WITH "NEW" PAGE.

CLICK HERE FOR THE EXCEL FILE WHICH LISTS THE RECENTLY RELEASED ELECTRIC BLUE BOOK PAGE REVISIONS AND UPDATES.

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June 2008

General Processing Information
The internet is just a tool to get your work done and completed in a timely fashion. It is important when you file the load letter and customer work request it is completed accurately to include all the information for that project or scope of work performed at such location. Incomplete and/or Missing Information will result in processing delays and also affect Con Edison not being able to monitor the customers load demand if an electric contingency should take place in the future. Please ensure it is completed to the best of your ability and if a new business construction work request it is requires providing site and plotting plans. Any question or concerns on your project should be addressed by the area Energy Service representative if you are not sure prior to the company service ruling.

All the Best!
Luke Monaghan
Con Edison

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May 2008

PERSONAL NOTE:
Hello everyone can you believe how fast the time is going? We are winding down the meetings at Con Edison management dining room for the first half of the year.  The next meeting will be out at Leviton Manufacturing Company Inc. in Little Neck, Queens.  This is always well attended as their engineering staff does a fine job on presenting their product to all in attendance.  This brings me to a product I should be pushing to you all for use to save energy is the compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb.  Switching from the traditional light bulbs to CFLs is an effective, accessible change every American can make right now to reduce energy use at home and prevent greenhouse gas emissions that can contribute to global climate change.  Lighting accounts to close to 20 percent of the average electric bill. Con Edison just raise the electric rates so any savings you make is back in your pocket.  Look for the ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs bulbs they use up to 75 percent less energy than incandescent light bulbs, last up to 10 times longer, cost little up front and provide a quick return on investment.

SCARSDALE MILLION DOLLAR HOME DESTROYED BY CONTRACTOR DAMAGE
I can’t stress this enough know what you’re digging into.  This home was a total rehabilitation where the electrician did his work fine but the builder decided to excavate around private property to expose the utility services.  Public safety and to protect your liability the greatest risk to underground utilities is accidental damage during excavation.  Excavation damage accounts for almost 60 percent of all reportable pipeline incidents.  Even minor damage such as gouges, scrape, dent, or crease to a pipeline or its coating may cause a leak or failure.

Remember it is the law to protect all facilities underground. All excavators must call the local One Call Center or the new national phone number 811 that went into effect last year before excavation work begins on public or private property.  Whether you are a do-it-yourself homeowner or a professional excavator, every job requires a phone call.  The One Call Center will reach out to the utilities involved and they will asset the immediate area so the location of the facilities can be marked prior to the excavation. The best part is the service is performed at no cost to you.  A failure to comply with the law can jeopardize public safety, result in costly damages and lead to substantial fines. So please:

Call Before You Dig. Contact One Call Center at 1.800.272.4480 before beginning any excavation project.
 
All the Best!
Luke Monaghan
Con Edison

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April 2008

AN IMPORTANT ADVISORY NOTICE FOR ALL ELECTRIC AND GAS BLUE BOOK HOLDERS

AS PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2008, CON EDISON HAS DISCONTINUED THE MAILING OF THE ELECTRIC AND GAS BLUE BOOK PAGE REVISIONS AND UPDATES TO CONSULTANTS, ENGINEERS, ELECTRIC AND PLUMBING CONTRACTORS.  THE WEB VERSIONS OF THE ELECTRIC AND GAS BLUE BOOKS ARE TO BE CONSIDERED THE OFFICIAL VERSIONS OF THE CURRENT REQUIREMENTS. THE WEB BLUE BOOK VERSIONS REPLACE ALL PREVIOUSLY ISSUED BINDERS. PREVIOUSLY ISSUED BINDERS AND PAGE UPDATES FROM PAST MAILINGS MAY BE OUTDATED.

YOU ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO START WITH A COMPLETE, FRESH VERSION OF YOUR SERVICE BLUE BOOKS PRINTED FROM THE OFFICIAL CON EDISON CORPORATE WEBSITE @ http://www.coned.com/es.  CLICK ON “SPECIFICATIONS”AND SELECT SERVICE TYPE. THE TWO BLUE BOOKS, REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL SERVICE INSTALLATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR GAS SERVICE INSTALLATIONS ARE IN ADOBE PDF FORMAT AND CAN BE PRINTED IN SECTIONS BY USING THE TABLE OF CONTENTS LINKS FOR EACH BOOK. AN INDEX PAGE FOR BOTH SERVICES WILL BE ADDED AT A LATER DATE.

THE ATTACHED EXCEL FILE LISTS THE RECENTLY RELEASED ELECTRIC BLUE BOOK PAGE REVISIONS AND UPDATES.

TO DOWNLOAD YOUR COPIES OF THE ELECTRIC AND GAS PAGE REVISIONS AND UPDATES, GO TO THE ENERGY SERVICES PAGE ON THE CON EDISON CORPORATE WEBSITE @ http://www.coned.com/es. TO IDENTIFY THE PAGE REVISION OR UPDATE, VIEW THE TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGES. THERE, YOU WILL FIND THE PAGE TOPIC AND PAGE NUMBER. CLICK ON THE SELECTED PAGE TOPIC OR PAGE NUMBER. IT WILL LINK YOU TO THE DOCUMENT WHICH CAN THEN BE PRINTED. REMOVE THE “OLD” PAGE (S) FROM YOUR BLUE BOOK COPY AND INSERT THE DOWNLOADED PAGE(S).

IMPORTANT:

DO NOT USE THE OLD BLUE BOOK PAGES FROM THE ORIGINAL BINDER AND ADD UPDATES TO THEM, AS THIS WILL CAUSE A LOSS OF INFORMATION. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND STARTING WITH A FRESH BOOK PRINTED FROM THE WEBSITE.

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PERSONAL NOTE:
Hello everyone the spring is finally here. Daylight Savings Time is now in March, three weeks early and will not end until November.  The reason for the time change now is to stimulate the economy and also to conserve energy.   If you have been following the media in the last few weeks Con Edison has introduced the EnergyNY program, emphasizing information and programs on the company’s Web site, www.conEd.com.  It is designed to get New Yorkers thinking about their energy use and future needs. The EnergyNY program outlines the increasing energy usage in New York City and Westchester County, the infrastructure investments the company is making to support the area’s economic growth and the steps people can take to conserve energy.  Enough of that, we had a very informative meeting on a few topics that was very important for all in attendance. The electric meter for two-family homes in New York City there must be a third meter for the common area. Also, our president, Frank Coluccio gave an educational presentation on NEC Article 590 Temporary Installations with permanent feeders and branch circuits used for temporary light and power.  The group exchange was quite lively. The code issues and panel discussion were very informative to all in attendance.

DEMAND SIDE MANAGEMENT COMPLIMENTS Con Edison INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT
Two consulting firms, one will work with customers in Lower Manhattan to reduce electric consumption by 67 megawatts by 2012, while the other will work in Staten Island’s mid-Island area to reduce energy demand by one megawatt, also by 2012. A single megawatt can power approximately 1,000 homes.

The program encourages customers to reduce electric demand by installing energy efficient lighting, air conditioning and refrigeration; and both residential and commercial customers may qualify for financial incentives that are available, in some instances, to offset installation costs.

Con Edison targets demand side management (DSM) programs for communities where growth in peak electric demand will result in the need for new substations, transformers and other infrastructure. DSM programs help delay those investments while reducing energy use in those neighborhoods.  The company has implemented targeted demand side management programs in New York City and Westchester County resulting in verified savings to date in excess of 36 megawatts.

ACCPTABLE ELECTRIC SERVICE EQUIPMENT FOR Con Edison:
I was recently asked a question from an electrician on the use of a 2-gang Milbank meter pan.  The serial numbers provided were for use for Keyspan-LIPA territory.  It would have been turned down by our inspectors and valuable time and money wasted waiting to install the proper equipment.  It is important to check our electric service installation Section X Approved Electric Service Equipment for our service territory, table formatted, before buying the meter pan.  The equipment listed is approved for use in connection with service installation for outdoor – indoor box-type meter sockets.

Happy Easter and All the Best!
Luke Monaghan

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March 2008

PERSONAL NOTE:
Hello everyone wasn’t that a great football game.  The New York Giants are the 42nd Super Bowl Champs of 2008.  It is great to see the city happy once again. It has been a long time since feeling the sadness we have all felt of the tragic 9-11 day in lower Manhattan.  We can rise back and try to enjoy our lives and yet remember that the past hurt will never be forgotten.  Its ok to celebrate again as we all know New York City is the greatest city in the world.  Enough of that, we had a very informative meeting, once we started. A slight delay, as a fire was reported caused by a ballast burning on the 18th floor.  The group exchange was quite lively. The code issues and panel discussion were very informative to all in attendance.

YOUR NAME IS NEEDED FOR ELECTRIC BOOK WEB-SITE FUTURE MAILING UPDATES.
As was reported last month, there will be no more mail outs of electric service installation manuals (bluebook).  It is important if you have not filed your name as an electrical contractor with Dominick Reda, his mailing address is 4 Irving Place, Energy Services, Central Support Operations, 10th Floor-SW, New York City NY 10003. He can be e-mailed at redad@coned.com .   Remember you will not be included in any specification updates.  Please forward your e-mail address to be included in any future update of electric drawings and specifications on electric service installation.

ENERGY SERVICES HOME WEB-SITE:
Electric filing for the authorities having jurisdiction, even for filing our income taxes is the wave of the future.  So don’t be afraid it assists on tracking work request and documenting progress to completion. If you view our home page, www.coned.com/es it will provides consultation, resources, and incentives to help our customers compete, expand, and find energy solutions. We work with contractors and developers to design the best and most efficient way to deliver electric, gas, and steam service in a timely and professional manner. We can help businesses find a place to locate and even save money through rate incentives and special offers.

Contractors can go directly to Project Management for work request forms that can be submitted conveniently online and check lists for final inspections. Direct email contacts are there, too. On the Specifications site, you will find our electric, gas, and steam service installation manuals containing general regulations, standards, and specifications to help you plan your job.

All the Best!
Luke Monaghan

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February 2008

Click Here for Safety Working Near Overhead Lines

PERSONAL NOTE:
Hello everyone. Sorry to miss the Installation Dinner, looking forward to another successful year of IAEI meetings. There is so much going on and trying to keep up with all the changes is not such an easy task. These meetings are the times we can use to be proactive to ensure we provide a safe, reliable, efficient electric service and of course customer satisfaction.

RECORD ELECTRICITY IN 2007
Con Edison delivered a record amount of electricity to customers in New York City and Westchester County in 2007, spurred largely by the region’s growing economy. Last year’s usage of 62,591 gigawatt hours (GWh) eclipsed the record of 61,608 GWh set in 2005, and is more than 23 percent higher than the 50,837 GWh used in 1997.

A gigawatt is a rate of energy production equal to 1,000 megawatts. One megawatt can power approximately 1,000 homes. Peak electric demand in New York City and Westchester County in summertime has been growing annually by about 200 megawatts, the equivalent of powering an additional 200,000 homes per year.

New construction and increased use of new electrical devices, including flat-screen televisions and associated on-screen games, computers, and various handheld gadgets, as well as record numbers of home offices, are all part of downstate’s prosperity and contribute to increasing use.

Even as the country’s overall energy needs continue to grow, Con Edison urges customers to conserve, and offers energy savings tips on the company’s Web site at
http://www.coned.com/go_green/100tips.asp.

CUSTOMER CHANGES IN USE OF ENERGY
IAEI members can assist us by informing the customer that any changes in the premises, energy usage or upgrades to equipments or motors may affect the electric service rate and the amount the customer pays for electric. The customer must notify Con Edison if the account falls between two different service rates he/she is eligible for the one that is more beneficial.

All the Best!
Luke Monaghan

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January 2008

Con Edison is encouraging all members to register with them for all blue book updates and future correspondence. Register your contact email at: redad@coned.com

Welcome the New Officers:
Hello everyone, the installation of officers will take place at the next meeting, Monday January 7, 2008 at our headquarters for the elected positions for the calendar year. 2008.  I like to extend a job well done to our out-going president, John Esemplare for doing a fabulous job.  This is not an easy task besides trying to manage the Energy Services responsibilities.  He has increased the awareness of the importance of the electrician duties to follow code, city law and company specifications. Also try to increase IAEI membership, in which he has done and received recognition from the IAEI Northeast chapter.  A fine job and we thank you.

Con Edison Electric Distribution System Update:
Con Edison will have invested $890 million in the electric distribution system and $270 million in the maintenance of the system. The intent of this investment is to make sure that our system performs to a level that meets our customers’ expectations. We all know that New Yorkers are a demanding bunch and we need to continually improve to meet these expectations.  We are focusing and moving in the right direction. We continually look to improve the parts of the system that need improvement.  In 2008, we will continue our major efforts to improve Safety, Quality, Reliability/Customer Service and Efficiency. These are not arbitrary areas of focus. There are very important reasons to make sure that we are working safely all the time that the quality of our work is impeccable, that we are spending our customers’ hard earned money wisely and efficiently, and also providing high levels of service.

Con Edison Web Site:
There are many features that will connect you to your assigned commercial representative to expedite applications, specifications drawings, customer work request, project management status, switchboard drawings, and access utility gas and steam installations when you have a joint project, submit service design proposals.  The most important function of all meets the tentative project service date.   Staring in January we will not be mailing out new electric service books so it is important to provide us your e-mail address to receive updates of drawings and specifications.  We continuously work to improve and update our web site www.coned.com/es  Add our site to your favorites to stay on top of future enhancements.

All the Best!
Luke Monaghan

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September 2007

Summer Ends On A High-Note: 
Hello everyone, the summer has ended after Labor Day as the weather could not be as grand for all the outdoor events.  I hope this article finds all of you well and ready to embark on to another season of school, football and of course the IAEI meetings here at Con Edison Headquarters.  Con Edison was under pressure to avoid a repeat of last summer's devastating blackout in northwest Queens.  The heat wave we were prepared for and our employees on call 24/7 to monitor with high-tech software database on customer information and a computer system to track power outages if they did occur.  No long power outages were recorded and the money spent $1.4 billion on system-wide upgrades, plus $90 million on the Long Island City network was necessary.  When all works well on the electric side there is no acknowledgement.
Steam Incident:
Last week we recently invited the media to the company’s Astoria complex to display the approximately 1.5 million pounds of infrastructure that will be part of the investigation into what caused the July 18 steam pipe rupture in midtown Manhattan. Ron Bozgo, vice president of steam operations, and Robert Vecchio, managing partner at Lucius Pitkin, the independent lab that will conduct the investigation, briefed the media on the process involved in determining what led to the event. Bozgo noted that the company would conduct a thorough, detailed, and open investigation involving the city, state Public Service Commission, and other interested parties. not be ignored.
Customer Work Request:
Remember on all electric work request electric contractors are to be filing with Energy Services the modified work request that is on our web site. Under Project Management click on the link and you will see the hyperlink for “Hard Copy of Electric Customer Work Request”.  All customer information is needed to be recorded so we can contact future customers on warnings of power problems to avoid damage to the customer equipment and our power grid to all New Yorkers.

See you at the monthly IAEI meetings.
All the Best!
Luke Monaghan

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June 2007

The LIC network power outage has brought the attention to the PSC our need to provide the most critical information to restore power to the customer. The city agencies and the utilities need to have the most accurate information during power or storm emergencies. With this in mine, we have changed our form for customer work request to have the most up-to-date information on construction, type of buildings constructed, type of gas heating and on-site gas fired generation involved. See attached form, this will be part of our Energy Service web-site for new business work request.

Would you please get the word out to all registered electricians that this is the new form for work request for filing with Con Edison. A copy is attached to include in your mailings and for your member's use when you do send out a newsletter to the association membership.

Electronic communication of all our current policies can be found on our website www.coned.com/es

Luke Monaghan
Energy Services

Click Here For the Modified Electric Customer Work Request

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May 2007

New High-Tech Meters:

Hello everyone, time is going by so quickly before you know it the hot summer will be here. Con Edison will be under pressure to avoid a repeat of last summer's devastating blackout in northwest Queens. A pilot program is being introduced to use new high-tech meters and a computer system to track power outages. There will be 500,000 "smart meters," installed throughout the area which alert control center operators when a customer's power goes out. Also a new computer system will map these outages as they occur. The company has spent $1.4 billion on system-wide upgrades, plus $90 million on the Long Island City network

On 4/11/07 Con Ed announced that business and residents left in the dark during future blackouts could be eligible for more reimbursement money. We propose to raise the amount of money for both business and residents to be eligible to replace spoiled food. The increases need to be approved by the state Public Service Commission and would only apply to future blackouts. We cannot promise 100% system reliability but continuously working towards upgrading our infrastructure.

Voltage Drop:

Voltage Drop requirements cannot be ignored and electricians that install conductors of branch circuits shall be sized to allow for a maximum voltage drop of 3% at the last outlet supplying light, heat or power and the maximum voltage drop allowable for feeders and branch circuit combined shall not exceed 5%. It is wise to install electrical systems to worst case scenario an account for some slight voltage drop, as our distribution system load may increase and power source feed location may change in time. The point to remember is that the electrical installation must meet the requirements of the code in accordance with authorities having jurisdiction and proper sizing for voltage drop should not be ignored.

All the Best!
Luke Monaghan

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March 2007

Personal Note: 
Hello everyone, winter came late and with a vengeance this week as I write this update.  Con Edison was fortunate that the storm did not affect the electric power grid too hard.  We had crews available but no severe outages were reported.  If you receive any calls from your customers on power problems beyond your electric service box on the line side it is important that you notify Con Edison needs to know immediately if you experience an outage or other power problem, such as flickering lights, please call us we are ON IT 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633).

Grounding Responsibility:

On continuing where I left off last month on the grounding issue for electric service installation.  Con Edison Energy Service personnel are required to inspect each service installation to ensure that grounding is installed properly before the service is upgraded or energized.  This is part of our checklist during inspection.  Although electrical grounding is basically the responsibility of municipal authorities, the Company ensures the grounding requirements because most of the service equipment is under Company security locks when the municipal inspection is conducted.  So please make sure this important item is completed before requesting an appointment for electric meter turn on.

Hope to see you at our next IAEI meeting. Luke Monaghan

 

January 2007

PERSONAL NOTE: 
Hello everyone, the holiday season is upon us. Winter will be here soon and you can stay comfortable this winter and still get the most of your value from your energy dollar. On new installations please provide the minimum insulation standards for existing dwellings when converting to electric space heating.  The minimum standards are the roof or ceiling must have at least six inches of insulation, or insulation with an R-value of 19 or greater.  This requirement does not apply to dwellings with a flat roof, provided that four or more inches of insulation are in place or if insulation can be installed only by cutting into the roof.  Weather stripping and caulking on all windows and all entrances must have storm doors or thermal windows.   Seasons Greetings and a Happy Healthy New Year 2007 to you and your loved ones.

Con Edison “ Requirements for Electric Service Installations manual the meter mounting equipment for all watt-hour meters and for demand meters shall be located that the meters will be accessible for reading and testing, and shall be free from vibration and not exposed to mechanical injury.  In order for our Company employees to achieve an accurate meter reading, we have to be able to get to our equipment.  So please be sure to center our equipment to the appropriate center line opening for the corresponding meters ordered for your location.  Aesthetics is not mandatory but is strongly suggested to blend the meter in with the dwelling as long as we can have access to read the meter and make replacement.

All The Best,
Luke Monaghan

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December 2006

PERSONAL NOTE: 
 Hello everyone, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and before you know it the holiday season will be upon us.  Electric safety should always be followed for light decorations use. On decorating inside and outside all lights and electric cords only shall bear the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label or the Factory Mutual (FM) label.  If a power strip is used it must be UL approved and circuit breaker protected to prevent overloading.  Seasons Greetings and a Happy Healthy New Year 2007 to you and your loved ones.

Our next meeting for the New York chapter will be on December 4th at Con Edison 4 Irving Place 19 floor executive dining room, Edison Room, at 6:00 pm.  Please call the IAEI hotline and show identification at the front desk before entering the facility.  This will be the formal business meeting with contractor’s situation questions on NEC requirements and discussion on approvals to the panel afterwards. 

METER PANS and CT CABINETS

Con Edison “ Requirements for Electric Service Installations” manual the meter pans and CT cabinets are equipment that is installed by the customer or their contractor for the mounting of Con Edison’s revenue electric meter and associated metering current transformers.  Approved service equipment listed in our specifications section-X for use in connection with service installation in the territory supplied by the Company approved for use by the Electric Meter Shop.  In the manual are guidelines and requirements for their proper installation.  Contractors should purchase meter pans and CT cabinets in accordance with this list.

 

November 2006

PERSONAL NOTE:
After the summer record heat we're looking forward to the cool weather of fall. However this summer with the July outage that affected over 25,000 customers in northwest Queens the company will very busy this winter to ensure that the electric system will improve service, reliability and communication. The rebuilding of the network will provide a blueprint to strengthen the reliability of the electric system and the lessons learned will prevent this from occurring when the hot weather forecast presents a peak day demand in our service territory.

ITEMS OF INTEREST:
As part of the cause of the July outage on October 12, 2006 Con Edison released a 600-page report analyses causes and present a plan for improvements. It explains the events that led to the failure of 10 of the Long Island City network's 22 feeder cables starting July 17. It also identifies area of improvement in the company's method for estimating the number of customers without electric service. The identification of specific steps and the company plans to take to strengthen the reliability of all our electric networks are stated in the report’s executive summary. The report is quite large but some of the findings, outlining of plans for reducing the potential for a similar outages and the assistance that was provided by Con Edison are provided.

The findings were an unprecedented series of events occurring in northwest Queens during a period of record electrical use, causing the outage. The decision to maintain the network prevented the outage from spreading to 90,000 additional customers in northwest Queens, and to hundreds of thousands who would have been affected by transportation shutdowns. Attempting to save components of the system resulted in delays to restoring electricity to some customers.

Outlines plans for reducing the potential for a similar outage, including: Upgrading equipment within the northern Queens substation, and at others around the system; Investing $58 million in the Long Island City network; Studying advancing the construction of a new substation in northwest Queens, based on enhanced reliability to customers by the summer of 2007.

What Con Edison did to assist the customers during the outage were added 250 telephone lines to our call centers, which increased our total to 650 phone lines; installed a better system to track outages; improved the interactive automated system for customers to report electrical outages. By summer of 2007, reviewing the feasibility of installing electric meters that could alert the company when a customer is out of service.

The report is available by going to our web-site www.coned.com “Con Edison’s Comprehensive Report on the Power Outages in Northwest Queens in July 2006”

Sincerely Yours,
Luke Monaghan

 

October 2006

PERSONAL NOTE:

Hello everyone, once again a summer is over and we are back to the grind of a full work schedule. I missed the last meeting that was held on 9/11 I had other priorities. Let us always remember all those who perished that day; the passengers and the pilots on the United Air and AA flights, the workers in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, emergency responders and all the innocent bystanders. Our prayers go out to the friends and families of the deceased.

ITEMS OF INTEREST:
As a reminder our next IAEI meeting Monday (October 2) will be cancelled due to the Eastern section International Electrical Inspectors 82nd Electrical Code Education Seminar & Annual Meeting September 28th - October 1st 2006 being held in Philadelphia Pa. This is an excellent code education seminar. Our next meeting for the New York chapter will be on November 6th at Con Edison 4 Irving Place 19 floor executive dining room at 6:00 pm. Register at the front desk before entering the facility. This will be the formal business meeting with code questions to the panel afterwards.

Northern Queens Network Failure Reminder To File for Food Spoilage Claims
Con Edison wants to remind customers that they still can file claims for spoilage due to the outages that affected residents in Queens. The best way to file is to obtain the forms, which are in several languages downloaded from the web site www.coned.com and go to the four locations listed below:

INSTALLED CAPACITY PROGRAM
Con Edison Demand Side Management program has a new program called “Installed Capacity Program” which is under the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) Special Case Resources Program incentives are available through the Installed Capacity Program (ICAP) for customers who reduce electric load by using their generators or other means of curtailment without having to meet daily bidding and scheduling requirements. There is a brochure explaining how it works, customer eligibility, incentives and penalties for failure to load reduce what you attended to pledge under ICAP. How to enroll or for more information contact Con Edison Demand Side Management phone number 1-800-643-1289 or access our web site dsm@coned.com.

Have a great Columbus Day weekend and see you all November 6 at the next IAEI meeting.

Sincerely Yours,
Luke Monaghan

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Here is my report for April Newsletter.

Luke

Personal Note:

        Con Edison has thrived on delivering a safe reliable product.  Over the past winter we had two stray voltage incidents that brought this issue back into the minds of New Yorkers.  Wherever problems were found corrective action was taken.  Our Company has pledged to continue to monitor these stray voltage areas in an effort to reduce , to the extent possible, any exposure to the public.  The good news is we have a formal plan to identify the problem and also educate the general public. Our bill payment envelope has an insert brochure this month on "Electric Safety".  These are some tips that will contribute to a safe, accident-free environment.  Also I would suggest you review our website: www.coned.com/customercentral/safetytip.asp   The Electric Safety "What You Need To Know" outlines the rules and safeguards that will help you and your workers prevent electrical accidents.

SAFETY NOTICE WARNING - Sentron II 200 Amp. Fusible Bus Plugs
        An important product safety notice from SIEMENS regarding Sentron II 200 amp. Fusible Bus Plugs to alert you to a potential problem.  All products shipped between November 25, 2002 and September 25, 2003 and with the following catalog numbers and purchase order numbers are subjected to this safety notice:
        Distributor PO# to Siemens/Distributor -  9466  Catalog#  SLID4240G     Shipment Date 07/31/2003        Quantity 1
        It has been determined that these products have side bracket screws that may penetrate through a line shield barrier.  Further, there is the possibility that these side bracket screws may pierce a line side phase connector cable as well.  These conditions could result in death, serious personal injury and/or property damage.  Production date codes can be found on the product nameplate and are identified on the second row lower right box labeled "Mfg. Date" 09/03.
        The following steps must be taken to ensure proper corrective action:
        1.      All Sentron II 200Amp. Bus Plug units identified must be located.
        2.      Once these devices are located, please contact the SE&A Support Service group at:
                Siemens Energy & Automation ,Inc.
                Sentron II 200A Fusible Bus Plug Safety Notice Phone Number (800)241- 4453 Ext. 3487

        If you have any questions or concerns regarding this notice, please contact Randy George, Product Safety Coordinator via telephone at (864) 595-4742 or fax at (864) 595-4736.  This action has been taken to assure you of the quality you have come to expect from Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.

Energy Services For Your Home And Business
        Con Edison delivers reliable energy, along with high quality services and products, with your comfort, care, and convenience foremost in mind. That's why you can count on us to keep you comfortable throughout the seasons, provide convenient round-the-clock customer services, and provide innovative products and programs designed to accommodate your lifestyle.  Check out our products and programs on the web, www.coned.com/es
       

Sincerely Yours,
        Luke Monaghan

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May 2006

PERSONAL NOTE: As I write this update the Passover and the Easter season is upon us. I would like to take this opportunity to wishing you and your families a festive holiday.

ITEMS OF INTEREST: As a reminder our next IAEI meeting Monday (May 1) is at Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc., Little Neck facility. The location is at 59-25 Little Neck Parkway, Little Neck,Queens New York. A buffet will be serviced between 5:30pm and 6:00pm for the early arrivals. The meeting will start with a presentation by Leviton and then be followed by questions and answers. We can conduct our formal business meeting with code questions to the panel afterwards.
Visitors must pre-register so the security people can be prepared for the visit. It is important that you either call ahead to register or to e-mail Jim Porter at Leviton. Do not wait until the last minute to call because Jim would like to be able to have food for everyone. The late responders might go hungry!
Here is his personal information, telephone number (718) 281-6194 and e-mail address jporter@leviton.com.

STRAY VOLTAGE Our continuous effort to reduce the possibility of stray voltage throughout the electric system. We will inspect and test all our equipment covers annually. New technology has helped in the development of a method for mobile survey of the electric system to find a fault with a horizontal range of 30' along the street. The good news is significant reduction in reported cases since 2004. We average a 4% percent reduction of cases from last year. The warm weather brings a decrease in reported calls. Con Ed's R&D is working on a project that will hopefully remotely monitor the transmission lines to assist us as another tool to identify the source location before stray voltage is found by the general public.

APPROVED SERVICE EQUIPMENT Requirements For Electric Service Installations (blue-book) in March of 2006 Energy Services revised two pages that addressed meter stacks page 52D and new equipment added for CT cabinets page 58. The change to the meter stack page is the addition of General Electric catalog number for 800 amps main bus meter stacks for AC meters. The CT cabinet change is on Table IX for the Trans-S Mounting for CT and CT socket meter for 3-phase 4-wire WHY service only. Navtech Electrical Enclosures Inc. four items, catalog numbers added two for 400 amps rating and two for 800 amps. rating to the 120/208 volts field. An advisory went out to all contractors who are currently listed in the Energy Services publication list database. If you are not receiving the updates to the electric service blue book please contact Dominick Reda (212) 460-1011 to be placed on all future mailings.

CUSTOMERS ELECTRIC OVERHEAD SERVICE CONDUCTORS At our last meeting a discussion came about on what is acceptable on the clearance of attachments and self-supporting overhead service conductors to an open window. In June 2005 specification EO-6218-B Customers Electric Overhead Service Conductors was modified so please review page 77A of the electric blue book.

The construction notes 2 and 3 read; attachments and self-supporting conductors shall have a clearance in any direction of not less than 3' from windows, doors, porches, fire escapes, or similar locations. Exception: Clearance does not apply above the top level of window, or to windows that are not designed to open. Attachment and covered open supply conductors, not self-supporting cable, shall have a clearance in any direction of not less than 3 feet from windows, doors, porches, fire escapes, or similar locations.

Enjoy the IAEI dance at The Grand Prospect Hall located at 263 Prospect Ave, Brooklyn , NY on Friday April 28, 2006 at 7:30pm. Sincerely Yours, Luke Monaghan

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March 2006

Personal Note:
At our last meeting the subject came up on carbon monoxide detectors.  Under New York state law  all newly constructed one-family homes, two-family homes and co-op and condominium apartments must have carbon monoxide alarms installed. The law also requires existing homes and apartments to have carbon monoxide alarms installed before they can be sold. At least one approved and operational carbon monoxide detecting device within fifteen feet of each room lawfully used for sleeping purposes. Such CO detection devices may be combined with a smoke detecting device.

Building For Tomorrow/s Needs
Con Edison's energy systems serve a vibrant and growing community of people, businesses, and homes. We are striving to maintain our excellent reliability record and to build for future economic growth and energy demand by making significant investment in our infrastructure. Over the past ten years, Con Edison has invested $4.5 billion upgrading and expanding our electric transmission and distribution system. More housing, more computers and office equipment, and more air conditioning are some driving factors in our need for continued investment. We take our commitment and our responsibility to our customers and to our service area seriously.
600 Kcmil Customer Cable - Not Acceptable
Let the word go forth.  This has been brought up in the past at IAEI meetings code meetings and answered by Con Edison representatives and yet we still receive questions from the field on customers installations  Our company does not accepted 600 MCM as a standard wire.  We will not connect our street cables to the customer cable and permit its use to terminate in the service box.  The maximum size cable to that is acceptable for the terminating devices is 500kcmils.

By Luke Monaghan

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February 13

Winter Driving Tips I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. Once again a new year is upon us and hopefully a good one for all. It has been an unusual January with no snow in the forecast yet, but we should be prepared when the heavy snow storm is here. Winter driving can be extremely hazardous at time, due to poor road conditions or reduced visibilities from heavy or blowing snow. During these times, travel is difficult if not dangerous, and often not recommended. However, many people still venture outdoors not knowing what they will encounter. This is why being properly prepared is a must as it may save your life, and the lives of those traveling with you.

Problem with Navtech Electric Current Transformer Cabinet Design -Corrected Recently Our Staten Island service area came across a few factory related design problems with CT Trans-A 400 and Trans-S 400 cabinets made by Navtech:
1- The cable-lug in the cabinet does not match the approved unit by Con Edison: the holding screw on the lugs (inside cabinet) are facing the side of cabinet, instead of facing the front. Our technicians use a tool on that screw, which does not fit easily from the side, and field-forces consider this design as a safety-hazard when system is energized.
2- The distance between the ten-point block and A-based meter is inadequate for wiring.
3- The meter-mounting screw holes on the back-plate are not tapped which is not in accordance with approved design.

Con Edison Electric Meter Shop spoke with the manufacturer who reviewed each problem and will take the corrective action to make the necessary changes to meet the unit that Con Edison initially had approved. The vendor will locate any cabinet still on our customers shelves and correct. Also will correct any cabinet in the field that does not meet the specification when notified.

Navtech will implement a new quality control system checklist and a file to record each unit being made. This is the first problem that has ever happened with over a thousand units being made throughout the years. The manufacturer wants to assure you that any issue will be addressed and a system is in place to correct problems when they occur.

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July 2005

List of Con Edison Yards and Hours of Operation

1. College Point Blvd. 7:30am to 3:00pm

2. Cleveland Street 5:00am to 1:00pm and 6pm to 12:00am

3. Neptune Ave. 6:00am to 12:00pm

4. Third Ave. 7:30am to 2:30pm

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April 29, 2005 - Update

FREQUENT INSPECTION FAILURES ACCORDING TO CON EDISON


According to Con Edison, these are the most frequent reasons for final inspection failures. PLEASE NOTE, THESE ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES, THESE ARE THE MOST FREQUENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1} Missing bonding screws
2} Water Pipe Grounds installed on wrong side of valve
3} No Water Pipe Ground
4} Meter Pans marked incorrectly or not marker at all.
5} To close to Gas Meters
6} Bypass Meters w/o isolation kits when required
7} Solid #10 wire across top of meter pans.
8} OH S/P less than 16' from grade
9} Color coding not followed
10} Improper OH connections

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March 14, 2005 Update

Now that the warm weather is here, get into high gear and complete those spring projects so you can enjoy some fun in the sun.

The following are several changes made to charges and special services provided at a cost found in the electric tariff effective April 1, 2005.

Website Reminder

To access our Blue Books for electric, gas and steam via the internet click on www.coned.com/es this will bring you to the Energy Services website, then proceed to click on specifications and then click on the book of your choice.

While on the Energy Service website take the time and do some surfing by clicking on Project Management, from here you can access and submit an Electrical Contractor Work Request form, Electric Inspection Checklist, Project Status Inquiry, and provide us feedback of how we provided service to your completed project. Just think of the time saved by completing a form and then submitting it with just a click of the finger.

 

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April 2005 Update

Personal note

Hope everyone has enjoyed their winter months and are now planning for spring yard work.

Available Programs

There are several programs available with incentives, information can be found on our websites at www.coned.com under Products and Programs and then by clicking on go or by calling our Sales and Marketing Team at (800) 643-1289.

The following, just to mention a few and to give a brief summary are:

Distribution Load Relief Program (DLRP)

Is designed to reduce the strain on local distribution lines during times of heavy demand, when no system-wide power emergency has been declared.

Emergency Demand Response Program (EDRP)

Is a New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) program that is activated during periods of actual power shortages or other emergencies.

Installed Capacity Program (ICAP)

Under the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) Special Case Resources Program incentives are available through the Installed Capacity Program for customers who reduce electric load by using their generators or other means of curtailment without having to meet daily bidding and scheduling requirements.

Voluntary Real-Time Pricing Program (VRTP)

Is a rate that is available to large, full-service customers of Con Edison. Under this program, customers pay hourly retail electric energy rates that reflect the hourly changes in wholesale energy rates. There are often significant differences in hourly wholesale energy prices in response to supply and demand. This method can be of great benefit to the customer who can shift load to non-peak hours, when electric energy rates are typically lower.

Day-Ahead Demand Reduction Program (DADRP)

New York Independent System Operator Program

A way for customers in New York State to reduce their electricity costs. Customers can become involved in New York State’s electricity market, help reduce system demand, and get paid market prices for their load reduction, all through the Day-Ahead Demand Response Program.

Con Edison Program

Under the Day-Ahead Demand Reduction Program, customers submit load reductions based on forecasted energy prices and for time periods specified by Con Edison. Con Edison will aggregate the load-reduction nominations from customers and submit them to the NYSIO for evaluation. The NYISO will accept these load-reduction nominations as needed. Customers then receive payment incentives based on forecasted wholesale prices for the load reductions if their nominations are accepted.

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March 2005 Update

With the latest snowfalls I hope all of you snow boarders and skiers enjoyed yourselves.

Personnel changes in Energy Services

Effective February 1, 2005, John Esemplare became the section manager of DC Elimination.

Reminders

Specifications for service end line boxes found in our Blue Book are not to be utilized for 265/460-volt installations, including specifications EO-9525-B, EO-9072-B and EO-9073-B for detail service end line boxes. Prior to the installation of a service end line box for a 265/460-volt installation drawings are required for approval.

Website

To access our Blue Books for electric, gas and steam via the internet click on www.coned.com/es this will bring you to the Energy Services website, then proceed to click on specifications and then click on the book of your choice.

While on the Energy Service website take the time and do some surfing by clicking on Project Management from here you can access and submit an Electrical Contractor Work Request form, Electric Inspection Checklist, Project Status Inquiry and provide us feedback of how we provided service to your completed project. Just think of the time saved by completing a form and then submitting it with just a click of the finger.

Wait, just don’t stop clicking take some more time for surfing by clicking on Rate Tariffs or on Special Offers for Customers, you never know what you may find.

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February 2005 Update

Personal note

Hope everyone has enjoyed the holidays and are off and running with their 2005 New Year’s resolutions.

Personnel changes in Energy Services

That time of year is here to review, mail out and post on our Energy Services’ website the updated contact list.

Effective December 1, 2004, Mr. Timothy Ryan is the general manager of Energy Services and Mr. Peter Hofmann now is the general manager for Bronx/Westchester Electric Operations.

Revised Specification

Specification EO-6218-B titled Customer’s Electric Overhead Service Conductors has been revised. For existing services only when the capacity of 4/0 aluminum multiplex services has been exceeded and been engineered by Con Edison to be more cost effective, open wire construction of a maximum of 4-4/0 copper will be permitted. Table 3 has been revised with the removal of the vise type connector. Except for the compression type connector all connectors are required to be installed with a plastic cover. No tapping will be permitted for the covers or compression type connector.

Has a reminder regarding the 5/8” galvanized bolt attachment, the required length is 2 ½” of thread to be provided on the outside of the wall. This is required to ensure the proper installation of the thimbleye nut. By extending the thread of the bolt could result in bending of the bolt since it is no longer fully supported.

DC Conversion Program

Believe it or not we still have many DC service customers in the boroughs of Manhattan and in Brooklyn. We would love nothing, but to eliminate the surcharge applied in the billing to theses customers and eliminate the DC service. For information of the applicability, conversion program incentives, log onto our Energy Service website at www.coned.com/es and click on Special Electric Offers.

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Personal note

As one year ends and a new one begins, rakes and lawn mowers have been stored away while the snow blowers and shovels are taken out for what some of us love to do, snow removal. JUST KIDDING, JUST KIDDING! Well getting down to business I would like to reflect back on some highlights of the year of 2004.

Things to Remember

Discussion with a Commercial Service Representative is necessary prior to starting any work involving a loop, back to back or bus service.
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Regarding standard specifications for service end line boxes and customer’s property line boxes or manholes, 600 kcmil is still not listed on the tables of our specifications as a standard cable or permitted except if a terminating device is provided as stated in the specifications for when any cable is not listed in the table. The specifications to refer to when an approved terminating device is required are EO-9525, EO-9072 and EO-9073 that can be found in the Blue Book.

For installations of service equipment having a total rating in excess of 800 amperes, the customer’s contractor is required to submit drawings of the proposed service equipment to ascertain whether it is in compliance with the Company’s requirements regarding service end boxes and metering arrangements. Just to mention a few things to remember to include in the drawings is the short circuit current information, all views detailing the equipment with the measurements as outlined in our specifications, location of the proposed or existing point of entry, location and type of the meter equipment referencing the specification number and revision, sub-metering, proposed metering future retail space, the height measurement of the equipment being installed taken from the finished grade, state the amount and type of cable or bus being installed. Preparing these drawings often referred to as switchboard drawings and a single line diagram requires time and money so in order to save on both give it the once over with our latest specifications and procedures.

You are now permitted to install a maximum of 5-sets of 500 kcmils cables per phase or 4-sets of 600 kcmils per phase as per meter engineering specification MES-298.

If for any reason a specification cannot be adhered to, stop before proceeding and get in contact with the Con Edison Representative handing the job to discuss other specifications or other methods to use.

Meter exchange adapters cannot be used on by-pass facilities. Installing these adapters where not permitted is causing delays and unnecessary prolonged outages. A sticker stating CAUTION DO NOT INSTALL ON SOCKET EQUIPPED WITH BY-PASS FACILITIES is located on the side and in the front of the adapters.

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Con Edison Update

By Michael Rollins

For installations of service equipment having a total rating in excess of 800 amperes, the customer’s contractor is required to submit drawings of the proposed service equipment to ascertain that it is in compliance with the company’s requirements regarding service end boxes and metering arrangements. Just to mention a few things to remember to include in the drawings is the short circuit current information, all views detailing the equipment with the measurements as outlined in our specifications, location of the proposed or existing point of entry, location and type of the meter equipment referencing the specification number and revision, show the height measurement of the equipment being installed taken from the finished grade, state the amount and type of cable or bus being installed. Preparing these drawings often referred to as switchboard drawings and a single line diagram requires time and money so in order to save on both give it the once over with our latest specifications and procedures.

Regarding standard specifications for service end line boxes and customer’s property line boxes or manholes, 600 kcmil is still not listed on the tables of our specifications as a standard cable or permitted except if a terminating device is provided as stated in the specifications for when any cable is not listed in the table. The specifications to refer to when an approved terminating device is required are EO-9525, EO-9072 and EO-9073 that can be found in the Blue Book.

If for any reason a specification cannot be adhered to stop before proceeding and get in contact with the Con Edison Representative handing the job to discuss other specifications, other methods to use or even to obtain a one time waiver. To obtain a waiver a letter stating the reason why and a drawing may be required depending on the circumstances.