By Phil Corso
Consolidated Edison said in a report that crews were working in an Oakland Gardens housing complex to make it easier for residents and business owners to switch from oil to a cleaner natural gas for heating.
The utility said it was converting apartment buildings at the Windsor Park complex from oil to natural gas to reduce carbon emissions and save money.
“We are so pleased with the support from Con Edison as we undertake this complex and involved oil and gas conversation,” said Larry Kinitsky, president of Windsor Park. “The coordination between Con Edison and our boiler conversion contractor has been outstanding.”
Windsor Park, home to 1,830 apartments and more than 5,000 residents, currently uses nearly 750,000 gallons of heating oil each year, Con Ed said.
“The conversions will help the city achieve its environmental goals and reduce the building owners’ heating bills, since natural gas is less expensive than heating oil,” Con Ed said in a statement. “Windsor Park management expects to see an annual savings of up to $800,000.”
The utility said conversions will translate into savings equivalent to removing more than 430 cars off the road.
“We are confident that the project will be completed on time at year’s end,” Kinitsky said.
According to new regulations imposed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the city Department of Environmental Protection, No. 6 heating oil should be phased out of use by 2015 and No. 4 oil by 2030. Studies from the city health commissioner’s office found that both oils have been linked to poor air quality.
In response, Con Ed said it established an entirely new department dedicated to oil-to-gas conversion projects to streamline the process for customers.
Reach reporter Phil Corso by e-mail at pcorso@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
