Right now, all of us have an opportunity to profit from helping New York City face a growing energy challenge. With the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) predicting a 446-megawatt power shortfall during peak hours by summer 2025, the city’s electrical grid is under increasing strain. But there’s good news: demand response (DR) programs offer a proven solution to strengthen grid reliability, cut emissions, and reduce costs.
DR events (like Meltek’s events) occur when a utility requests users to shift or reduce their electricity use, which helps manage local grid loads during periods of extra-high demand. Severe temperatures, damage to power lines and equipment, or planned maintenance can all cause these occurrences.
A win-win situation
DR programs incentivize users to reduce electricity usage during peak demand times. Instead of operating expensive and high polluting backup power sources, DR programs help balance the grid by shaving energy consumption, preventing blackouts, and lowering emissions.
By participating in demand response programs, neighborhoods and communities unlock significant financial rewards. For example, customers in Westchester County received over $212,000 in payments for their participation in the NYISO and ConEdison DR programs in 2024. Residents and businesses in the county received $31,196.62 during the winter season and $181,518.95 over the summer, demonstrating the year-round importance of the initiative.
Driven by economic and population growth, and an increase in the push for electrification, energy demand continues to grow across the state. The electric grid will need more flexibility and stability in order to accommodate this increased demand. With DR programs, we have a proven win-win situation for businesses, communities and other participants -- all optimizing energy use and saving money.
By balancing supply and demand more efficiently, DR programs help ensure a more sustainable and resilient power grid for everyone. As more participants join these programs, the cumulative effect will strengthen grid reliability, reduce dependency on fossil fuels and foster a smarter, more adaptive energy system for New York, while encouraging economic growth.
Use Meltek to Make a Difference
As an official partner of DR in Con Edison, Orange & Rockland, and PSEG Long Island territories, Meltek provides free energy-saving programs for residents and businesses. Our platform ensures quick enrollment, hassle-free participation, and fast payments.
Here's how our program works in 3 simple steps:
