State Public Service Commission updates energy shopping Web site

ALBANY-- The New York State Public Service Commission has revamped and significantly improved Web site custom-designed to help residential consumers competitively shop for electricity and natural gas suppliers. The Web site can be found at www.newyorkpowertochoose.com. “Providing consumers with the ability to compare prices and products being offered by companies that sell electricity and natural gas in their communities is an important goal,” said Commission Chairman Garry Brown. “To fully participate in the competitive energy marketplace requires consumers to have an understanding of how the marketplace works. This new and improved website provides the wherewithal for consumers to become better-informed about energy suppliers and services.” Energy bills in New York consist of two parts: supply and delivery. The supply can be purchased from either a local electric or gas utility or another company. Meanwhile, the local utility will continue to provide delivery. Currently, more than a million residential customers in New York are purchasing their electricity and natural gas from an energy service company (ESCO). There are many ESCOs providing a wide variety of “products” and price options. Some provide long-term fixed prices; others offer variable rates that change with market conditions; others give the option for customers to lock-in a rate during certain peak months of energy use. Some ESCO service is provided at a variable price on a month-to-month basis that can be cancelled at any time. In other cases, ESCOs require customers to enter into a contract for their purchase of electricity and natural gas. In some instances the contract requires the customer to commit to purchasing its energy from the ESCO for a specified period of time. The consumer selects the choice that’s best for them. Before choosing an ESCO, consumers should: compare prices and services offered; review terms which may cover special fees, deposits, renewals and switching procedures; consider customer service features including complaint handling, hours of operation, and toll-free numbers; and research the company’s background. Always review the terms and conditions before committing to an ESCO offer. In addition to the pricing information, the site contains contact information on ESCOs that have met the Commission’s and utility requirements to provide energy supply, electricity or natural gas, and other services in New York.