What smart thermostat rewards pay in New York City
We re-read Con Edison's Smart Thermostat Program and Smart Usage Rewards pages on October 3, 2026. Both are Con Edison programs, so they work the same across the five boroughs and Con Edison's part of Westchester.
Enrollment rebate
Paid once enrollment is complete, usually within 6 to 8 weeks. Needs central AC and an eligible Wi-Fi thermostat.
Retention reward
If you stay in for 50% or more of event hours over your first three years.
Smart Usage Rewards
For any Con Edison customer with a smart meter. Cut use on summer event days and earn rewards set by the partner company you join. Cannot be combined with the thermostat program.
Working it out
Enroll this year and stay in for three summers: $85 plus $25 a year for three years is $160 in total. That will not pay for a new thermostat on its own, but if you already own an eligible model, it is free money for letting Con Edison nudge your AC a few degrees on hot afternoons.
Which thermostats count
Con Edison lists specific models from five brands. They include Honeywell Home T5 and T6 models, several Honeywell Total Connect Comfort Wi-Fi models, Sensi models such as the ST55 and ST75, the Amazon Smart Thermostat, and several Alarm.com models. Popular brands not on the list do not qualify for this program, so check the exact model on Con Edison's page before you buy. If you already own one that is not listed, Smart Usage Rewards may still be an option.
What happens on event days
Events run from May through September, on weekdays between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m., when the grid is busiest. Con Edison makes small, short changes to your air conditioning. You stay in charge: you can change the setting at any time. Con Edison says the rebate arrives about 6 to 8 weeks after you enroll, along with a confirmation email.
If you have no central air
The US Census Bureau's American Community Survey (2020 to 2024) shows 79% of the city's homes were built before 1980, and 64% heat with piped gas. Two out of three households rent. If your home has no ducted central air, or you do not control the thermostat, this program is not for you.
If that is you, Smart Usage Rewards is the better fit. You only need a Con Edison electric account and a smart meter, which Con Edison installs free if you lack one. You pick a Smart Usage Partner, get alerts on summer event days, and earn by using less. You can only work with one partner per season, from May 1 to September 30.
Heat pump owners
Con Edison notes that smart thermostats work with most standard systems, including heat pumps, though multi-stage systems and boilers need specific features. If you have or are getting a heat pump, Con Edison also says heat pump users can save an average of 10% by moving to its Steady Use Rate. See our New York City heat pump guide for the Clean Heat rebates.
How to claim the $85 in New York City
- Confirm you have central air conditioning and are not in Smart Usage Rewards.
- Find your exact thermostat model on Con Edison's eligible list.
- Click Enroll for your brand on Con Edison's Smart Thermostat Program page and link your thermostat account.
- Watch for the confirmation email. The $85 arrives in about 6 to 8 weeks.
- Stay in for at least half of event hours each year to earn the $25 retention reward.
Common questions
Do I need central air for the Con Edison thermostat rebate?
Yes. Con Edison lists central air conditioning as a requirement, along with an eligible Wi-Fi thermostat.
Can I do both the thermostat program and Smart Usage Rewards?
No. Con Edison says you must not be enrolled in Smart Usage Rewards to join the Smart Thermostat Program.
Does a Nest or Ecobee qualify?
Not on the list Con Edison showed on October 3, 2026. Eligible brands were Honeywell Home, Honeywell Total Connect Comfort, Sensi, Alarm.com and Amazon.
Can I override Con Edison's adjustments?
Yes. Con Edison says you keep full control and can change your settings at any time.
Is there a rebate for buying the thermostat itself?
Con Edison's offer is for enrolling an eligible thermostat, not a purchase rebate. The $85 comes after enrollment.
What to do next
If you have central air and an eligible model, enroll before next May so you are set for the first summer of events. For every other Con Edison offer, see the New York City rebate hub.
By Sam Menard. Sources, last read October 3, 2026: Con Edison: Smart Thermostat Program, Con Edison: Smart Usage Rewards, Con Edison: Steady Use Rate and heat pumps, US Census Bureau ACS table B25040. All New York City rebates → Every Con Edison rebate →