SOURCE: ConEdison Solutions; The Business Council of Westchester

December 11, 2008 13:02 ET

Business Council of Westchester and ConEdison Solutions Launch Energy Initiative

Local Westchester Businesses and Households Can Manage Energy Costs and Tap 'Green Power'

WHITE PLAINS, NY--(Marketwire - December 11, 2008) - The Business Council of Westchester, the county's leading business association, and ConEdison Solutions, a national energy services company based in White Plains, have launched an initiative that offers Council members the opportunity to stabilize energy spending, reduce costs, and promote environmental preservation by tapping into renewable electricity supplies.

Under the program, the Council is encouraging member businesses and affiliated households to switch to ConEdison Solutions as their electricity supplier. Upon making the switch, participants will have an array of pricing options, such as fixed-price contracts or a promotion that offers guaranteed savings through a 7% discount off the utility price for a period of three months.

In addition, ConEdison Solutions customers may tap into the company's "Green Power" offering, which provides non-polluting power from wind and hydropower sources.

"As a proud member of The Business Council of Westchester, we are delighted to partner with the organization to offer members a range of smart energy alternatives for both homes and businesses," said Jorge J. Lopez, President and CEO of ConEdison Solutions. "In today's economy, businesses and families need to do all they can to manage energy spending. In addition, using renewable energy sources is a vital strategy for environmental conservation and energy independence."

"This agreement presents exciting and valuable new opportunities for our members," said Dr. Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of The Business Council of Westchester. "The Westchester business community is becoming more self-reliant when it comes to overcoming energy-related challenges. When we can turn to one of our own members to do so, it's even more rewarding."

For New York residential customers, "Green Power" costs just one cent more per kilowatt-hour than the ConEdison Solutions standard offer. For a residential customer using 600 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month, the additional cost is approximately $6.00 per month for the wind/hydropower blend above standard electricity rates. For those choosing 100 percent wind power, the price is approximately $15.00 more per month.

Homes and businesses in New York who purchase their energy from an energy services company, such as ConEdison Solutions, reap additional savings. New York State tax is eliminated on the energy delivery portion of their utility bills. Also, households and small businesses may be eligible to earn additional utility discounts for switching from their conventional utility under a state program designed to encourage energy choice.

The importance of decreasing carbon emissions is widely acknowledged, but it is often less clear how individuals or businesses can reduce emissions. One of the easiest and most effective ways of decreasing carbon emissions is by switching electricity supply to the ConEdison Solutions renewable energy program. By switching to renewable power, the average customer's home has an annual carbon reduction equivalent of not driving 5,763 miles! Over 60,000 New York families and businesses have already signed up for renewable energy, and Westchester homes and businesses are signing up for ConEdison Solutions every day.

About ConEdison Solutions

ConEdison Solutions is a leading energy services company that provides competitive power supply, renewable energy, sustainability services, and cost-effective energy solutions for commercial, industrial, residential, and government customers. The company is headquartered in White Plains, New York, with offices in Burlington, Massachusetts; Cherry Hill, New Jersey; Arlington, Virginia; Houston, Texas; Tampa, Florida; Durham, North Carolina; and Overland Park, Kansas. The firm's dedicated team of energy professionals delivers a broad range of commodity, consulting, demand-side management and performance contracting services. ConEdison Solutions offers programs and services designed to help customers achieve their individual energy objectives and is accredited as an Energy Services Provider (ESP) by the National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO).

ConEdison Solutions is a subsidiary and registered trademark of Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE: ED). More information can be obtained by calling 1-888-210-8899 or visiting the ConEdison Solutions website at www.conedsolutions.com. You can also visit the Consolidated Edison, Inc. website at www.conedison.com for information on all of the Consolidated Edison companies.

About Business Council of Westchester

The county's largest business membership organization, The Business Council of Westchester exists to help businesses market, learn, advocate and grow. Members set goals and customize their investment to create a powerful business-building strategy.

The Business Council of Westchester represents 1,200 members, ranging in size from multinational corporations and mid-size businesses to professional firms, not-for-profit organizations and small business owners in every sector of the county's diverse economy.

To join, or for more information, call (914) 948-2110 or visit www.westchesterny.org.