The Marriott Marquis hotel in Times Square has become the first major organization to sign on for a new energy reduction initiative in midtown Manhattan, says Consolidated Edison, New York City's power supplier.

Under its new lighting program, the 1,946-room landmark will receive substantial incentives from ConEdison Solutions to reduce demand during summer peak-load periods. The Demand Side Management Program is expected reduce energy consumption by about 790,000 kilowatt hours per year.

According to a ConEd spokesperson, it's crucial for New York City to reduce energy use on summer afternoons, when both the temperature and the price of electricity spike. Lowering demand also reduces emissions of greenhouse gases and improves the city's air quality.