http://www.coolnycprogram.com/ConEd is running a program together with a company called ThinkEco called coolNYC. They are providing free units to NYC residents that plug in between your AC and outlet that act as a timer, thermostat, and energy monitor.
"During demand response for coolNYC, your window air conditioners will turn on and off at a slightly higher thermostat setting so that it's used less overall, but in a way that keeps your home sufficiently cool. You'll be notified a day ahead of any events, and you always have the choice to opt in or out, each time - opt outs can happen both before and during the event. Most summers, there is a need for just 2-4 demand response event."
You get to keep the modlet even after the summer is over its great for shabbos and yom roc you can set up the timer you can control your ac from wherever you are from the app or from the website portal it's only for nyc residents if you order 2 or less you will get a USB receiver that has to connect to a computer if you order 3 or more you get the gateway that plugs into your router
Customer Service: 1-800-682-0152