Some $50,000 later, Con Edison finally came to turn on his stove.

In 1998, Con Edison shut off gas because that bill had not been paid.

On a number of levels, the push comes at a difficult time for Con Edison.

The next year the city sold it to Con Edison for $3 million.

"For example, we have been to Con Edison seven times now," he said.

So with the job a little more than half done, Con Edison has paid him $27,000.

But in 1959 the city sold it to Con Edison.

One that comes to my mind is the effort in the late 1970's to take over Con Edison.

More than 100 companies take part in a plan to sell their energy back to Con Edison.

Starting next month, Con Edison's basic rates will be cut by 3.1 percent.