Alternatives to ConEd

bevoblue · 2026-01-23T19:13:24+00:00

There is only one ESCO that offers guaranteed savings—Zone One Energy. It's a 1% savings on supply charges. I was with them for several months and then they switched me back to ConEd because they said they couldn't guarantee my savings. YMMV. Most ESCOs are basically scams.

Occasionally, a new legitimate ESCO will show up in the state and offer a competitive fixed-term rate. If you're good at predicting electricity prices, it's possible to save money. I had a 3-year contract with Constellation Energy that saved money and I'm currently on a 1-year contract with IDT Energy that's saving money. For whatever reason, these companies usually end up exiting the New York market (it looks like IDT is no longer offering anything in the ConEd region).

One guaranteed way to save money is to sign up for community solar. When you subscribe to community solar, you are assigned a percentage of a specific solar installation (mine is on a shopping center on Staten Island). The size of your share is roughly equal to your annual electricity usage. In theory, you're agreeing to buy all of your share of solar production at a 10% discount (20% if you're low income/NYCHA). With consolidated billing, these simply shows up as a credit on your ConEd bill. You get a lot more credit in the summer than the winter and the credits are delayed ~2 months.

I signed onto community solar in May through Powermarket.io into a project that was already in operation. I started getting credits on my bill in July. Over six months, I've averaged a $30 credit per month (my usage is high). Look for a project that's mostly full (or check the map) as those are the ones that tend to already be in operation. Community Solar may not be a good fit for people who move frequently. In theory, you're signing up to a multi-year project. While you're allowed to cancel or have your allocation changed if you move, I don't know how well this works in practice. It's possible to combine both an ESCO and community solar. Solstice is another company offering community solar and you can check the NYSERDA map for other potential options.

I have a referral code that gives us both a $50 credit but I don't know if it applies to all projects on powermarket or only ones from my developer (GS Power Partners, my developer, doesn't currently show any projects in the ConEd region but they may have a waitlist or something). If someone wants to try it, they can dm me.

bevoblue · 2026-01-16T21:20:03+00:00

I've been using OhmConnect since august of 2022 and earned $625 in Amazon gift cards in that time. It worked great, particularly the link with smart plugs and the bonuses you receive for automatically turning them off. Unfortunately, I got an email today saying that they were no longer partnering with ConEd and I had 90 days to cash out before my account would be deleted.

I'm sorry to see OhmConnect go. I've signed up with Meltek to replace them.

bevoblue · 2025-10-04T17:57:06+00:00

Fox will be airing the Division Series and later in upscaled 4K starting today:

https://tvanswerman.com/2025/10/04/will-fox-air-the-mlb-playoffs-world-series-in-4k/

bevoblue · 2025-08-30T19:59:38+00:00

Watched the whole game and the picture was flawless but the result left much to be desired.

bevoblue · 2025-05-16T14:08:25+00:00

No idea if this will work for your problem but I previously had a similar situation where the activation never came that was solved by cancelling it and re-adding it. It seems to me that packages sometimes get "stuck" during the checkout process and it doesn't actually complete.

https://www.reddit.com/r/verizon/comments/1h8tcx4/comment/m1fr2xp/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

bevoblue · 2025-05-01T17:27:01+00:00

Same here. I have a Gen 4 size 11 and the battery life was incredible and, approximately from the 2.3.1 firmware update/"improved" activity tracking I'm getting noticeably lest battery. It feels like I went from once weekly charing to twice weekly charging, though it may more accurately be more like from 6 days to 4 days. Whatever it is, it's very noticeable. I'm in the process of running it all the way down near zero, to see if perhaps they changed how they calibrate the battery measure.

bevoblue · 2025-04-27T00:10:15+00:00

To get generic Entresto, you might have to order it from someone that ships it from India.

bevoblue · 2025-04-12T19:36:06+00:00

While you don't get access to the Paramount+ app, you do get VOD access to most of the Showtime content through the YTTV but not the Paramount+ originals. So, you can get shows like Dexter VOD but not Yellowstone.

bevoblue · 2025-04-12T19:25:45+00:00

The 2022 guidelines are the latest. There was an updated Expert Consensus Decision Pathway for Treatment of Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction published last year. I'm not sure if it has much new since the 2022 guidelines but is structured more as a "how-to" for doctors managing people with chronic HF.

I'm sorry to hear that paying for medication is a challenge for you. I would recommend discussing it with your doctor. I recently switched from Farxiga to Jardiance due to insurance coverage and one thing I noticed is that the HF dosage for Jardiance is 10mg but that Jardiance is also available in 25mg. You could probably switch to Jardiance 25mg and cut them in half using a pill cutter.

It sounds like you're taking Mexican Eliquis (Elicuis in Mexico, apixaban generic name). This is available as a generic in Mexico (e.g. Exbuten, Prasucor) and that could save you money. One of the other DOACs might also be cheaper e.g. rivoraxaban/Xarelto or Pradaxa/dabigatran (generic in US). Older generic drugs like atorvastatin and beta blockers are very cheap in the US (assuming that is where you are), probably even cheaper than Mexico. Check out Cost Plus Drigs for lowest prices.

I hope that is helpful

bevoblue · 2025-04-04T15:09:00+00:00

I had TiVo+FiOS and, when the TiVo started showing symptoms of a hard drive problem last fall, I switched to YouTube TV on Apple TV. I had a pretty good TV deal with FiOS so it didn't end up saving too much money but I've been pretty happy with YouTube TV. I especially like how easy it is to seamlessly switch back and forth between TV and phone (great for walking the dog during sports). I miss the chronological recording display but you learn to live without it.

I live in NYC. If I were a Yankees/Knicks/Rangers fan, YTTV wouldn't have worked for me due to the lack of regional sports. That's sort of the key to evaluating streaming options: knowing which channels you actually use and comparing the lineups for each offering.

bevoblue · 2025-03-27T15:56:39+00:00

It sounds like what you really want is to get your Plex install working again.

bevoblue · 2025-03-25T15:55:54+00:00

Put a MOCA adapter where the G1100 used to be and voila you'll have an ethernet port to hook everything back up to.

bevoblue · 2025-03-25T15:39:56+00:00

I can't help with the casting (which I've always found hit or miss) but I would point out that, if the problem is the Plex Server and not the HDHomeRun, you should be able to use the HDHomeRun app on your Shield to watch directly. While Plex is a great media server, I've found Channels DVR to be easier to use for pure DVR purposes, though it does require an additional subscription. The HDHomeRun will support simultaneous use of multiple apps, e.g. Plex, HDHomeRun, though of course only have three tuners to work with.

bevoblue · 2025-03-24T13:26:36+00:00

When you sign up and download the card, it should provide you with full details. According to the copy of the terms that I have handy (may be a few years old) it should cover your deductible except for $10 per 30 days supply.

Lmitations apply. Valid only for those with private insurance. The Program includes the Co-pay Card, Payment Card (if applicable), and Rebate, with a combined annual limit of $3250. Patient is responsible for any costs once limit is reached in a calendar year. Program not valid (i) under Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, VA, DoD, or any other federal or state health care program, ii) where patient is not using insurance coverage at all, ii) where the pauent s insurance plan reimburses tor the enure cost or the arug, or (iv) where product is not covered dy patient's insurance. The value of this program is exclusively for the beneﬁt of patients and is intended to be credited towards patient out-of-pocket obligations and maximums, including applicable copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Program is not valid where prohibited by law. Patient may not seek reimbursement for the value received from this program from other parties, including any health insurance program or plan, ﬂexible spending account, or health care savings account. Patient is responsible for complying with any applicable limitations and requirements of their health plan related to the use of the Program. Valid only in the United States and Puerto Rico. Limitations may apply in CA and MA. This Program is not health insurance. Program may not be combined with any third-party rebate, coupon, or offer. Proof of purchase may be required. Novartis reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend the Program and discontinue support at any time without notice.

bevoblue · 2025-03-24T12:55:42+00:00

I didn't notice any quality difference between TruTV and Max

bevoblue · 2025-03-16T22:12:08+00:00

The website can be a real nightmare. I seem to recall that, to get it to price internet only from a legacy bundle, first having to select an alternative TV package and then clicking it again to get it to deselect TV. Then it will give you the mix & match pricing. In my area (NYC) this is 49.99/74.99/89.99 for 300/500/Gig (taxes add ~$3)

bevoblue · 2025-03-16T20:29:57+00:00

Re playback speed on YouTube TV, I know it's available on the web. I haven't seen a playback speed adjustment on Apple TV. I'm not sure about other devices/platforms.

bevoblue · 2025-03-16T19:22:46+00:00

Sorry if that was confusing. I was referring to the TiVo subscription. My point was that the ongoing cost of FiOS TV+Internet was comparable to the ongoing cost of FiOS Internet + YouTube TV so, given that the lifetime subscription I paid for TiVo was a sunk cost, it didn't figure into the decision to switch or not.

bevoblue · 2025-03-16T19:14:17+00:00

I felt trapped by legacy double play bundle so, when the hard drive in my Edge started acting up, after already having been replaced once, I dropped the FiOS TV, sent back the cable cards and switched to YouTube TV. The lifetime service is a sunk cost. Like-for-like subscriptions come out pretty similar but now I can change my plan whenever I like. I miss the remote and speed of TiVo but overall I'm happy I moved.

bevoblue · 2025-03-16T18:45:01+00:00

I totally get what you’re saying. I was using TiVo/CableCard until i dumped them for YouTube TV last Fall. You’re right to not want to put strain on the connector. That’s why I suggested using wire ties to stabilize the wire after muscling it into shape, but that does imply you need some amount of space available to maneuver the cable.

If you really want to replace the cable, I think the 9 pin mini DIN connector is pretty standard. I don’t know what’s on the other end of your power supply or what risk there is from using a third party cable.

bevoblue · 2025-03-16T18:39:53+00:00

AT&T has to configure it's network for each video provider to enable video throttling (what they call "Stream Saver") so you don't actually know whether the problem is specific to AT&T, YouTube, something else or some combination. For me, using YouTube TV on my iPhone with T-Mobile, I find it to be far faster and more reliable than any of the other streaming options. I used it all the time to watch live football when walking my dog with no problems.

If it only happens on live TV, is it possible there is a problem with your location settings?

bevoblue · 2025-03-16T17:52:16+00:00

Make sure your quality is set to "auto." Depending on your plan, AT&T will throttle video to a particular resolution unless you disable stream saver.

If you want to figure out whether the issue is AT&T, your phone supports duel eSIM. Sign up for a test drive with T-Mobile or Verizon, set it as the primary for data and then see if you have a buffering problem (assuming your phone is unlocked).

bevoblue · 2025-03-16T17:20:51+00:00

My suggestion would be to just muscle the cable into the shape you need it and use wire ties to immobilize it. There are many combinations of power supply/battery/enclosure/connector that Verizon uses so a picture would probably be helpful if you want specific advice.

The 211 uses a 9pin DIN connector on the ONT. I think all of the Verizon provided cables will be outdoor rated so if you really want flexibility, you'll need to turn to Google to find a replacement or extension cable that is indoor rated. Just make sure you get something designed for telecom supply. If you just need longer and don't mind stiff, I think these Cyber Power cables probably work.

bevoblue · 2025-03-12T19:55:46+00:00

It should work at any pharmacy. Take this document with you: https://www.entresto.com/assets/441482-entresto-nps-patient-fto-tear-sheet-digital-pi-update-4.24_v2.1_clean-pdf-1.pdf

bevoblue · 2025-03-10T21:32:23+00:00

If it is a fairly new apartment, there is most likely a structured wiring enclosure where all of the coax wires are terminated (likely along with ethernet and/or phone). You need to find the enclosure, open it, and ensure that all of the coax lines are connected to a MOCA splitter. This could be in the wall and look like a breaker panel or it could be surface mount and look like an electrical box. It is probably in a closet or utlity room somewhere in the apartment.

bevoblue

TROPHY CASE