Consent of Independent Accountants


We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated February
24, 1998,  appearing on page 44 of this Annual  Report on Form 10-K,  in (i) the
Prospectus  constituting  part of the  Registration  Statement  on Form S-8 (No.
333-48475)  relating to The  Consolidated  Edison  Discount Stock Purchase Plan,
(ii) the Prospectus  constituting part of the Registration Statement on Form S-3
(No.333-45745)  relating to $540  million  principal  amount of  unsecured  debt
securities  of  Consolidated  Edison  Company  of  New  York,  Inc.,  (iii)  the
Prospectus,  dated March 14, 1996, as amended by the prospectus supplement dated
January 2, 1998,  and the  Prospectus,  dated  November 23, 1993,  as amended by
prospectus  supplements  dated March 14, 1996 and January 2, 1998,  constituting
part of the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No.333-01717-99) relating to the
Consolidated Edison, Inc. Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Payment Plan,
and (iv) the Prospectus  constituting part of the Registration Statement on Form
S-8 (No.  333-04463-99)  relating to the  Consolidated  Edison,  Inc. 1996 Stock
Option Plan.





PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP

New York, New York
March 26, 1998