Start with the equipment and its connection
A capacity question usually begins with a proposed change: a new heat pump, additional chargers, electric cooking, or a larger tenant load. List the actual equipment and its electrical requirements before assuming a particular service upgrade is necessary. Mechanical and specialist vendors should provide information that the electrical team can coordinate with the proposed design.
The relevant system extends beyond the panel nearest the equipment. A new load may affect an apartment feeder, a building riser, a distribution panel, and the service. The assessment should identify which parts of that path need evaluation.
A breaker rating is only part of the story
A panel label or main-breaker rating does not describe every constraint in the supply path. Existing demand, conductor and equipment characteristics, and the operating pattern of proposed loads are also relevant. Record drawings can help, but significant assumptions should be confirmed when the decision depends on them.
A useful engineering report identifies the information used, the conditions verified, and what remains uncertain. Where additional records or measurements are needed, the next step should be stated clearly rather than hidden inside an apparently precise capacity number.
Documents that make the study more useful
- Available one-line diagrams, riser diagrams, and panel schedules.
- An inventory of proposed equipment with electrical ratings.
- Available building demand and metering information.
- Previous service-upgrade studies and utility correspondence.
- Access arrangements for relevant electrical equipment.
- The owner's phasing and future-expansion objectives.
Our capacity study information checklist provides a printable starting list.
Compare practical next steps
The findings may support new work within existing infrastructure, a revised equipment selection, additional measurements, managed charging, or a broader distribution upgrade. These options should be compared against the owner's actual operating needs and project constraints.
When a utility-side change may be needed, the utility process is a separate coordination step. Con Edison provides a project center for building and remodeling work. The project team should use the utility's current instructions and avoid treating an internal capacity study as utility approval. Con Edison Building & Remodeling Project Center.
Keep electrification in the wider building plan
Electrical infrastructure is one input to a broader energy strategy. Heat-pump selection, energy efficiency, operating conditions, and emissions reporting involve other members of the owner's team. DOB publishes information about beneficial electrification in the Local Law 97 context. DOB beneficial electrification overview.
A phased plan can identify the equipment needed now, infrastructure useful for later work, and decisions that depend on additional investigation. Explore our EV charging and electrification service for the electrical scope.
Official references
References checked October 7, 2026. Requirements and procedures can change; the applicable scope and filing requirements should be confirmed for the individual project.