Frequently Asked Questions

Con Edison offers two device programs: Bring-Your-Own-Thermostat (BYOT) and Bring-Your-Own-Battery (BYOB). The BYOT program allows customers to earn money by allowing their smart thermostats to be adjusted during peak demand periods. The BYOB program (launching May 2026) allows customers with home batteries to earn money by discharging their batteries during peak demand events. Both programs help reduce grid stress while keeping you comfortable.

You're eligible if you: (1) Are a Con Edison electric customer in NYC or Westchester County, (2) Have central air conditioning, (3) Own a compatible smart thermostat from supported brands like Nest, Ecobee, or Honeywell, and (4) Have reliable Wi-Fi internet connection.

Currently supported brands include Amazon/Emerson, Honeywell, and Nest thermostats. Popular models include Nest Learning Thermostat, Nest Thermostat E, Ecobee SmartThermostat, Honeywell WiFi thermostats, and Emerson Sensi models. We're regularly adding new compatible models.

Enrollment is simple: (1) Ensure you have a compatible smart thermostat installed, (2) Sign up through your thermostat manufacturer's platform (Nest, Ecobee, etc.), (3) Opt into the Con Edison demand response program, (4) Con Edison will validate your enrollment and process your signup bonus.

Participants can earn $125+ annually on average. You'll receive a $50 signup bonus, plus $0.75 per demand response event you participate in, $25 summer season bonus (June-September), and $25 for each friend you refer who joins the program.

Earnings are calculated monthly and paid via direct deposit or check. You can track your earnings in real-time through our participant portal. Settlement reports are processed bi-monthly to ensure timely payments.

You'll receive a $50 enrollment bonus just for signing up and connecting your compatible smart thermostat to the program. This is a one-time payment processed after your enrollment is validated by Con Edison.

Yes! Customers who participate in an average of 50% or more event hours over three consecutive years are eligible for additional loyalty incentives per the Con Edison Electric Tariff.

Events typically occur during the summer season (May 1st - September 30th) on hot days when air conditioning demand is highest, usually between 2-6 PM. Events are called when high temperatures, peak loads, or local network stress require load relief. Expect 15-25 events per summer season.

Typically, your thermostat will be adjusted by just 2-4 degrees for 1-4 hours during peak demand periods. Most participants don't notice any difference in comfort. The system uses strategies like pre-cooling, setback settings, and cycling to minimize impact.

Yes! You have full control and can opt out of any event through our app, website, or your thermostat manufacturer's platform. However, participation helps maximize your earnings. You'll have 15 minutes from event notification to opt out if desired.

You'll receive notifications through your thermostat manufacturer's app and our participant portal when events are called. The system is designed to dispatch events within 15 minutes and give customers the ability to respond quickly.

Events are designed to minimize comfort impact. Most participants report no noticeable difference. The program uses smart strategies like pre-cooling your home before events and making gradual temperature adjustments rather than dramatic changes.

Yes, Con Edison and program vendors implement appropriate technical, physical, and administrative safeguards to protect your information. All data sharing follows strict security protocols, and any security incidents must be reported within 48 hours with immediate remediation.

If your device is offline or non-functional during an event, you won't be penalized. The system tracks device participation and performance, and accounts for technical issues. Customer support is available 24/7 to help with any technical problems.

Absolutely! You maintain full manual control of your thermostat at all times. You can override any program adjustments, opt out of events, and adjust your thermostat settings as needed for your comfort.

If you upgrade to a new compatible thermostat, contact customer support to update your enrollment. If your new thermostat isn't currently supported, we're regularly adding new models and manufacturers to the program.

Yes! Con Edison is launching a Bring-Your-Own-Battery (BYOB) program starting May 2026. This will allow customers with residential battery storage systems to earn money by discharging their batteries during peak demand periods.

The program will support residential battery systems that are either currently installed in Con Edison territory, listed on the FDNY Certificate of Approval list, or in queue for FDNY approval. Specific manufacturers will be announced as the program launches.

Similar to thermostats, your battery will be called to discharge during peak demand events. The system will respect minimum state of charge requirements and provide various opt-out settings to ensure your backup power needs are met.

The program is completely free to join. There are no monthly fees, setup costs, enrollment charges, or hidden fees. You only earn money by participating.

BYOT participants under Rider L are prohibited from enrolling in Con Edison's Rider T or AC demand response programs to avoid conflicts. However, you can still participate in other energy efficiency programs.

You'll need to unenroll from the program when you move or close your account. Contact customer support to process the unenrollment and receive any final earned incentives.

There's no long-term contract or commitment required. You can unenroll from the program at any time through your thermostat manufacturer's platform or by contacting customer support.