CHOOSING AN ENERGY SERVICE COMPANY   (ESCO)

       Once again, you are being asked to choose an energy service company (ESCO) for the supply portion of your electric bill. If you do not notify NYSEG of your choice before Dec. 28, 2007, your electricity supply company will become the NYSEG Default Supply Option, which is a variable rate, for the next 12 months.

       On your NYSEG bill, you will still have a fixed basic service charge, a delivery cost  (a fixed price per kwh of electricity usage), and a variable transition charge. If you choose NYSEG or another ESCO that has an agreement with NYSEG for “single billing” , then your electricity supply cost will also be on this bill. This will add up to the total cost for your electricity. If you choose an electricity supplier without an agreement with NYSEG to do “single billing”, then you will receive a second bill that will just cover your electricity supply cost.

       There are a number of options to guide your choice of an electricity supplier. To help in making your choice, we have listed “questions to consider” below. One of the options you will notice is for a “fixed rate” vs. a “variable rate”.   Since electricity use is measured in kilowatt-hours (kwh), a fixed rate is a guaranteed price per kwh for the length of the contract. A variable rate means that the price will vary monthly, based upon the market price of electricity, and may be affected by supply and demand, weather, etc. It is also important to remember that only about half of your electricity bill will be affected by your choice.  The other portion is affected only by your usage, since there is a fixed rate (per kwh) for delivery.

          To help you make your decision:

• The Public Service Commission website has pricing and other information from participating electric supply companies at  <www.PowerToChooseNY.com>.  Consumers are encouraged to contact the individual companies to obtain complete contract information before enrolling.  

 

• Cornell Cooperative Extension has written a new  Guide for Consumers (2007) in the NYSEG/RG&E service areas to help understand and work through this decision.  Also, review the  "Questions to Consider..." below.

       For more information on this and other consumer issues, call Cornell Cooperative Extension's Consumer HelpLine at (607) 272-2292 or visit the Public Service Commission's website, <www.AskPSC.com>.

Questions to Consider When Looking for a New Electricity Supplier (ESCO)

     It's your choice to either remain with your current utility or switch to another energy provider. To make an informed choice, you may want to ask the questions and use the comparison worksheet below:

Compare prices and services

• What is the charge per usage (kwh) and what is included in the price?
• Is the price fixed or does it vary with market price?
• If it's fixed, is it guaranteed for the length of the contract?
• Does the price include taxes?
• Are other services available?

Review the terms and conditions

• How long is the agreement?
• Is a security deposit required?
• Are there cancellation fees or other fees?

Energy Options

• Are there choices such as green power available?

Billing and Payment Options

• Will I receive separate bills from NYSEG and the ESCO?
• If separate bills, how often will I be billed?
• Is the day/night rate available?
• Is budget billing available?


A complete list of suppliers available to residential NYSEG customers can be found on the Public Service Commission website, <www.PowerToChooseNY.com> and on the NYSEG website, <www.NYSEG.com>.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLIER COMPARISON WORKSHEET

* Best to call company for current information.