<Page> Exhibit 12.1 CONSOLIDATED EDISON, INC. RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES TWELVE MONTHS ENDED (Thousands of Dollars) <Table> <Caption> SEPTEMBER DECEMBER 2001 2000 ---------- ---------- EARNINGS Net Income for Common Stock $ 603,215 $ 582,835 Preferred Dividends 13,593 13,593 Income Tax 405,295 307,168 ---------- ---------- Total Earnings Before Federal Income Tax 1,022,103 903,596 FIXED CHARGES* 454,820 431,217 ---------- ---------- Total Earnings Before Federal Income Tax and Fixed Charges $1,476,923 $1,334,813 ========== ========== * Fixed Charges Interest on Long-Term Debt $ 383,392 $ 351,410 Amortization of Debt Discount, Premium and Expense 12,382 12,584 Interest on Component of Rentals 18,814 17,697 Other Interest 40,232 49,526 ---------- ---------- Total Fixed Charges $ 454,820 $ 431,217 ========== ========== Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 3.25 3.10 </Table>