<Page> Exhibit 12.1 CONSOLIDATED EDISON, INC. RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES ---------------------------------- TWELVE MONTHS ENDED ------------------- (Thousands of Dollars) <Table> <Caption> JUNE DECEMBER 2001 2000 ---------- ---------- EARNINGS Net Income for Common Stock $ 605,744 $ 582,835 Preferred Dividends 13,593 13,593 Income Tax 368,618 307,168 ---------- ---------- Total Earnings Before Federal Income Tax 987,955 903,596 FIXED CHARGES* 455,927 431,217 ---------- ---------- Total Earnings Before Federal Income Tax and Fixed Charges $1,443,882 $1,334,813 ========== ========== * Fixed Charges Interest on Long-Term Debt $ 378,262 $ 351,410 Amortization of Debt Discount, Premium and Expense 12,324 12,584 Interest on Component of Rentals 20,319 17,697 Other Interest 45,022 49,526 ---------- ---------- Total Fixed Charges $ 455,927 $ 431,217 ========== ========== Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 3.17 3.10 </Table>