Community Updates
Get the facts about policies, procedures and practices that impact O&R and the communities we serve
Information for Customers Affected by Coronavirus
Your safe and reliable power is as important now as it has ever been. We do not expect any interruption of your service because of the coronavirus (COVID-19). We're taking every precaution to keep our workforce and customers safe and informed.
Here's what you need to know.
- Summer Energy-Saving Tips and COVID-19 (posted 05-28-20)
- Practical Energy-Saving Tips for Right Now (posted 04-07-20)
- Scam Alert: Beware of Anyone Demanding Payments Right Now (posted 03-27-20)
- If You Need Us For an Emergency, We're Here to Help (posted 03-23-20)
- O&R Operations, Contact Information, Waived Late Fees and Payment Options (posted 03-18-20)
- What You Need to Know About Gas and Electric Projects (posted 03-18-20, updated 04-07-20)
- Customer Information and Safety Guidelines (posted 03-13-20)
O&R Ends Credit Card Fees on Residential Bills
We’re making it easier for customers to pay their bill. O&R has made a significant, new policy improvement concerning residential credit card bill payment. Learn how O&R will no longer charge convenience fees on residential customer bill payments made by credit card and debit card, effective, April 2, 2019.
Orange & Rockland Sustainability Video
We’re working on a clean energy future. Orange & Rockland — as part of Consolidated Edison — has been leading the transition to a clean energy economy by investing in renewables, energy-efficiency programs, natural gas and electric transmission. In order to communicate our company’s best practices and highlight our successes, Orange & Rockland produced a short Sustainability Video. It shows what we’re doing to make a positive impact on the communities in which we serve, and how our efforts align with our company values.
Learn more about our efforts for a sustainable future:
Storm Hardening and Emergency Response Improvements
We're more resilient. Since 2012, we have invested $60 million to reinforce our electrical infrastructure; and initiated a broad program to reduce damage and outages due to weather, respond and repair storm damage more quickly and communicate information about those efforts more accurately.
Learn more about our efforts and what you can do:
- Storm Hardening Facts
- Report an Electrical Outage
- View the Outage Map
- Sign up for Outage Alerts
- Check the Status of an Outage
Tree-Trimming
Our tree trimming helps keep the lights on. Overgrown and fallen tree limbs are the leading causes of power outages during storms. We regularly inspect and carefully trim trees that are within our right of way; and hire professional foresters who are specially trained in preserving tree health and follow International Society of Arboriculture pruning guidelines.
Learn more about our tree trimming program, get answers to frequently asked questions, and find out which are the best trees to plant near power lines.
- O&R's Tree Maintenance Program
Energy Efficiency
Save Money with Our Energy-Saving Tips and Programs. Learn how you can use less energy and save more money with simple small changes around your home or business. From free appliance recycling, heating and cooling rebates – and more – we’ve got the tools to help you. Together we can achieve our energy future.
- Save Energy and Money
You can also visit our marketplace, myORUstore.com, for comfort, convenience and connected home products that provide security. With a great selection and prices on the latest energy-saving products and services, saving energy is at your fingertips.
Smart Meters
Smart Meters are here! On target to complete installations throughout our service area by 2020, we’re making strong, steady progress. Learn how Smart Meters will empower our customers with control to manage costs, make greener choices and experience more convenience.
- Features and Benefits of Smart Meters
- When Will You Get Your Smart Meter Installed?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Smart Meters
Little Tor Substation
Building for today’s needs. O&R plans to invest approximately $20.5 million to build a new electric substation at the southwestern corner of South Mountain Road and Little Tor Road in New City to address potentially serious electric service reliability issues there. Sustaining reliable electric service in the community is the primary goal of this proposed substation.
Learn more about O&R substations:
- Little Tor Substation Plans
- Little Tor Q&A
Eruv Attachments
We know there are questions about eruv. — For decades — since the early cable television days — federal and state laws have required that we allow third party attachments on our utility poles. Learn more about how we apply our Pole Attachment Policy consistently among all customers in compliance with federal and state regulations.
- About Eruv Attachments
- Legal Decisions Related to Eruvs
- Frequently Asked Questions About Eruvs