New York City

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Utilities

Information about essential services like electricity, gas, water, and internet.

Sections

1. Electricity

Provider:

  • The primary electricity provider in NYC is Consolidated Edison (Con Edison).
  • Some areas may also have access to alternative energy suppliers through New York’s Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), which allow you to choose renewable or competitive energy plans.

Costs:

  • Electricity in NYC is relatively expensive compared to the national average.
  • Rates: As of 2023, the average cost is around 22-25 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), depending on usage and season.
  • Monthly bills for a small apartment typically range from $50 to $150, depending on energy consumption.

Setup Process:

  1. Contact Con Edison: Visit their website (www.coned.com) or call their customer service at 1-800-752-6633.
  2. Provide your address, move-in date, and personal information (e.g., Social Security Number or a deposit if you don’t have credit history in the U.S.).
  3. Service can usually be activated within 1-2 business days.
  4. You can also explore ESCOs for alternative energy plans via the New York State Public Service Commission website.

Billing:

  • Bills are typically issued monthly.
  • Payment options include online payments, autopay, mail, or in-person at authorized payment locations.

Tips:

  • Sign up for budget billing to spread costs evenly throughout the year and avoid high bills during peak seasons (e.g., summer for air conditioning).
  • Monitor your usage through Con Edison’s online portal or app.

2. Water

Provider:

  • Water services in NYC are managed by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Costs:

  • Water is typically included in rent for most apartment buildings, so tenants don’t pay directly.
  • For property owners, the cost is approximately $4.30 per 100 cubic feet of water (748 gallons), plus a sewer charge of 159% of the water charge.

Setup Process:

  • Tenants generally do not need to set up water service.
  • Property owners can set up an account with the DEP by visiting their website (www.nyc.gov/dep) or calling 311.

Billing:

  • Property owners receive quarterly bills.
  • Payments can be made online, by mail, or in person.

Tips:

  • If water is included in your rent, confirm with your landlord whether there are any usage restrictions or additional fees for excessive use.

3. Gas

Provider:

  • The primary gas provider in NYC is National Grid for Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, and Con Edison for Manhattan and the Bronx.

Costs:

  • Gas is used primarily for heating, hot water, and cooking.
  • Average monthly costs range from $20 to $100, depending on the season and usage.
  • Rates vary but are typically around $1.50 to $2.00 per therm.

Setup Process:

  1. Contact the appropriate provider for your borough:
    • National Grid: Visit www.nationalgridus.com or call 1-718-643-4050.
    • Con Edison: Visit www.coned.com or call 1-800-752-6633.
  2. Provide your address, move-in date, and personal information.
  3. Service activation usually takes 1-2 business days.

Billing:

  • Bills are issued monthly.
  • Payment options include online payments, autopay, mail, or in-person.

Tips:

  • If you’re renting, check with your landlord to confirm whether gas is included in your rent.
  • During winter, gas bills can spike due to heating, so budget accordingly.

4. Internet and Cable

Providers:

  • Major internet and cable providers in NYC include:
    • Spectrum (Charter Communications)
    • Verizon Fios
    • Optimum (Altice USA)
    • RCN (Astound Broadband)

Costs:

  • Internet-only plans typically range from $40 to $80 per month, depending on speed and provider.
  • Bundled plans (internet, cable, and phone) can cost $100 to $200 per month.

Setup Process:

  1. Research providers available in your area (availability can vary by building).
  2. Contact the provider to choose a plan and schedule installation.
  3. Installation fees may apply (usually $50-$100), though some providers waive this for new customers or during promotions.

Billing:

  • Bills are issued monthly.
  • Payment options include online payments, autopay, or mail.

Tips:

  • Compare plans and negotiate with providers for promotional rates.
  • If you only need internet, avoid bundled plans to save money.
  • Some buildings have exclusive agreements with specific providers, so check with your landlord.

5. Trash Collection

Provider:

  • Trash collection is managed by the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY).

Costs:

  • Trash collection is free for residents and funded through city taxes.

Process:

  • Trash and recycling schedules vary by neighborhood. You can check your collection days on the DSNY website (www.nyc.gov/dsny).
  • Recycling is mandatory in NYC. Separate recyclables into:
    • Metal, glass, plastic, and cartons (blue bin).
    • Paper and cardboard (green bin).

Tips:

  • Follow DSNY guidelines for proper disposal to avoid fines.
  • Large items (e.g., furniture) require special pickup arrangements, which can be scheduled through DSNY.

General Tips for Navigating Utilities in NYC

  1. Understand Your Lease: Before setting up utilities, confirm with your landlord which services are included in your rent (e.g., water, gas, or electricity).
  2. Set Up Utilities Early: Contact providers at least 1-2 weeks before your move-in date to ensure services are active when you arrive.
  3. Use Online Portals: Most utility providers offer online accounts for bill payments, usage tracking, and service management.
  4. Budget for Seasonal Changes: Heating in winter and air conditioning in summer can significantly impact your electricity and gas bills.
  5. Energy Efficiency: Use energy-efficient appliances and LED bulbs to reduce electricity costs.
  6. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with tenant rights regarding utilities. For example, landlords are required to provide heat during the heating season (October 1 to May 31) when temperatures drop below certain thresholds.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to set up and manage your utilities in New York City. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!