Free Resource
ConEd Demand Response Events — History & Schedule
Each demand response event is a chance to earn cash. Here's how they work, when they happen, and what our service area's track record looks like.
What is a demand response event?
Demand response events — also called “peak demand events” or “critical peak events” — happen when the electric grid is under stress. During New York's hottest summer days, millions of air conditioners running simultaneously push the grid close to its limits.
To keep the lights on without building expensive new power plants, utilities like Con Edison pay homeowners to voluntarily reduce electricity use during these peak hours. This is demand response.
For Con Edison customers, events run in 4-hour windows that vary by neighborhood — 11am–3pm, 2pm–6pm, 4pm–8pm, or 7pm–11pm depending on your network. Events are concentrated in July and August, with occasional events in June and September.
How a demand response event works — step by step
Event is forecast
ConEd monitors grid conditions daily. When temperatures are forecast to exceed 90°F and system load is projected high, they plan a demand response event.
You get 18–24 hours notice
Meltek sends you a push notification, text, and email the evening before (or morning of) an event so you have time to prepare your home.
Precool before your event window
Lower your thermostat 2–3°F below normal before your event window starts. Your home stores the cool air, so you stay comfortable without running AC hard during the event. ConEd windows vary by neighborhood — check your network assignment for exact timing.
Reduce usage during your event window
During the 4-hour event window, raise your thermostat, use fans, and avoid high-draw appliances. Meltek tracks your reduction in real time. Your specific window depends on your ConEd network (see the call windows section below).
Get paid
After each event, your savings are calculated and added to your Meltek balance. ConEd incentive payments typically arrive within 30–60 days of the event.
Con Edison event windows vary by neighborhood
ConEd divides its service territory into networks, each assigned one of four fixed 4-hour call windows for 2026. Your window determines when to precool and when to reduce usage. Use the Network Lookup tool in the ConEd DR/SUR Portal to find your exact network and window assignment.
Event window
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Areas include:
- • Midtown Manhattan
- • Lower Manhattan
- • Financial District
Example networks: Grand Central, Rockefeller Center, Midtown West, Battery Park City, City Hall, Penn Station area, Freedom Tower area
Event window
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Areas include:
- • West/Downtown Manhattan
- • Outer Brooklyn (Bay Ridge, Park Slope)
- • Western Queens
Example networks: Chelsea, Times Square, Herald Square, Bay Ridge, Park Slope, Greenwich Village, Kips Bay, Turtle Bay
Event window
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Areas include:
- • Upper Manhattan
- • Bronx (most areas)
- • Brooklyn (most areas)
- • Queens (most areas)
- • Westchester County
Example networks: Harlem, Washington Heights, Flatbush, Williamsburg, Flushing, Long Island City, Yorkville, White Plains
Event window
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Areas include:
- • Staten Island
- • Jamaica (Queens)
- • Northern Westchester
Example networks: Fresh Kills, Willowbrook, Wainwright, Jamaica, Mohansic, Ossining West
⚡ DLRP Tier 2 networks earn higher rates
The Distribution Load Relief Program (DLRP) pays Tier 2 networks at a higher incentive rate because they carry the greatest risk of contingency overload. If you're in one of these networks, your demand response earnings may be higher.
2026 Tier 2 networks: Borough Hall, Central Bronx, Fordham, Jackson Heights, Jamaica, Ocean Parkway, Park Slope, Richmond Hill, Ridgewood, Williamsburg.
When do demand response events happen?
Percentage of annual events by month — historical average, Con Edison service area
ConEd event windows vary by network — 4pm–8pm covers most residential areas. PSEG LI and O&R typically run 2pm–6pm. Events called with ~18–24 hours advance notice.
Historical events by utility
Con Edison
| Year | Events | Peak month | Typical window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8 | July | 2pm–6pm | Heat wave in July drove 5 consecutive event days |
| 2024 | 10 | August | 2pm–6pm | Active August with multiple multi-day heat waves |
| 2023 | 9 | July | 2pm–7pm | Extended event season into September |
| 2022 | 13 | July | 2pm–7pm | Record heat dome; emergency events declared |
| 2021 | 7 | August | 2pm–6pm | Mild summer; fewer mandatory events |
PSEG Long Island
| Year | Events | Peak month | Typical window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | July | 2pm–6pm | Summer 2025 DLRP season |
| 2024 | 8 | August | 2pm–6pm | Aligned with ConEd events during regional heat waves |
| 2023 | 7 | July | 2pm–6pm | Consistent event season |
| 2022 | 10 | July | 2pm–6pm | Heat dome affected Long Island grid |
Orange & Rockland Electric
| Year | Events | Peak month | Typical window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | July | 2pm–6pm | 2025 O&R demand response season |
| 2024 | 8 | July | 2pm–6pm | Hudson Valley events tracked ConEd calendar |
| 2023 | 7 | July | 2pm–6pm | Normal event season |
| 2022 | 11 | July | 2pm–7pm | High event count due to regional heat dome |
Source: Utility demand response program public reports and DSIP filings. Event counts are approximate. Exact records available in utility annual reports.
Common questions about demand response events
How far in advance will I know about an event?
ConEd and Meltek typically notify participants 18–24 hours before an event starts — usually the evening before. You'll receive a push notification, text message, and email.
Am I required to participate in every event?
No. Demand response is always voluntary. You can skip any event you want without penalty. However, consistent participation maximizes your earnings.
What if I'm not home during the event?
If you have a smart thermostat, Meltek can automatically adjust it during events (with your permission). Many customers set it and forget it.
What time of day do events happen?
For ConEd customers, your event window depends on your neighborhood network — options are 11am–3pm, 2pm–6pm, 4pm–8pm, or 7pm–11pm. Most residential areas in Queens, the Bronx, and upper Manhattan are on the 4pm–8pm window. Midtown Manhattan networks typically run 11am–3pm. PSEG Long Island and O&R events generally run 2pm–6pm.
How much will I earn per event?
Earnings depend on how much you reduce usage relative to your baseline. A typical NYC apartment earns $5–$20 per event. A house with central AC can earn $20–$50+ per event.
Are events only during summer?
The vast majority are June–September. ConEd's demand response season officially runs May 1–September 30. Winter events are rare in our service area.
What counts as a "demand response event" vs. just a hot day?
Only formally declared DR events — where ConEd activates their demand response program — count for incentive payments. Not every hot day triggers an event. The utility makes the call based on grid conditions.
Ready to earn on the next event?
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