Con Edison Announces Close Monitoring Of Northeast Ice & Snow Storms

NEW YORK, NY -- Con Edison is closely monitoring today’s snow and ice storm and will have crews working around the clock this weekend to respond to any service problems that may occur.

Heavy snow, ice and wind can take their toll on trees that damage power lines. In addition, the company will maintain close contact with the New York City Office of Emergency Management and the Westchester County Office of Disaster and Emergency Service to coordinate storm response as necessary.

Con Edison offers the following tips to prepare for a storm:

-- If you see downed electrical wires, do not go near them. Treat all
downed wires as if they are live. Never attempt to move or touch them with
any object. Be mindful that downed wires can be hidden from view by snow,
tree limbs, leaves or water. Report all downed wires to Con Edison and
your local police department immediately. If a power line falls on your
car while you’re in it, stay inside the vehicle and wait for emergency
personnel.

-- If your power goes out, turn off all lights and appliances to prevent
overloaded circuits when power is restored. To report a power interruption
at your home, call Con Edison’s toll-free customer service number 1-800-75-
CON ED (1-800-752-6633), or you may report a service problem on-line at
www.coned.com. When reporting an outage, have your Con Edison account
number available, if possible, and report whether your neighbors have also
lost power. Leave at least one light switch in the on position to alert
you when power has been restored.

-- Check to make sure your flashlights and any battery-operated radios or
televisions are in working order. Use candles and oil lamps with care.
Also, make sure you have a supply of extra batteries. Weather updates and
news on restorations of electrical service can be heard on most local radio
and television stations.

-- Avoid opening your freezer to see if food is still frozen. Every time
you open the door, room-temperature air enters and speeds the thawing
process. Most fully loaded freezers will keep food frozen for
approximately 36 to 48 hours; half-full freezers will keep food frozen for
approximately 24 hours.

Con Edison (NYSE: ED) is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc., one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately $12 billion in annual revenues and $27 billion in assets. The utility provides electric, gas and steam service to more than three million customers in New York City and Westchester County, New York. For additional financial, operations and customer service information, visit Con Edison’s web site at www.coned.com.