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The City's Heat, Light and Power Budget

Six lane highway at night illuminated by street lights and the light from cars on the highway. The City is in the background

Overview

To provide a wide range of City services to residents, businesses, commuters, and visitors, New York City government can use large amounts of energy each year. For the City, the major energy types we use are electricity, natural gas, steam, and fuel oil. DCAS develops and administers the City's $750+ million heat, light, and power budget, which covers energy expenses for City buildings and other stationary end uses.

Did You Know?

Within New York City’s buildings portfolio, school buildings consume the largest amount of energy, followed by City government buildings, wastewater treatment plants, hospitals, and colleges.

Cultural institutions, jails, street lighting, agency office space, and libraries account for the rest of the City’s energy consumption.

Chart of FY22 City Government Utility Energy Budget, by Function

Meter and Account Management

DCAS handles meter and account management for all City buildings where the City pays all or part of the utility energy costs. We open and close accounts with utilities on behalf of agencies.

Budgeting

DCAS works with the City's Office of Management and Budget to develop the City's heat, light, and power budget, which covers electricity, natural gas, and steam each year. For Fiscal Year 2021, heat, light, and power expenditures are expected to be $777 million.

Pie chart indicating the City of New York’s total energy budget cost, divided by three types of energy source. Steam makes up 6.1%, gas makes up 15.6%, and electricity makes up 78.4% of the City’s energy costs.
FY 21 City Government Utility Energy Budget
Cost($) by Energy Type
Pie chart indicating the City of New York’s total energy use, divided by three types of energy source. Steam makes up 6.7%, gas makes up 47.8%, and electricity makes up 45.5% of the City’s energy use.
FY 21 City Government Utility Energy Budget
Usage by Energy Type

Review and Reporting

DCAS works with City agencies to monitor their energy billing and confirm that the utility energy bills received for their buildings are correct and reflect their actual energy usage. We maintain a web-based reporting system that provides agencies with energy billing to help them identify opportunities to save energy and reduce emissions. Read the City's monthly energy reports, which are available at citywide, agency, account, and meter levels.

Resources for City Agency Partners