Residents living in Albany, NY have the power to choose an alternate electric supplier and save money on the electric bill. New York is among a growing number of states that have deregulated the electricity market, opening the door for outside energy suppliers to provide generation services to New Yorkers. Before energy choice, utility companies had a monopoly over the generation, transmission, and delivery of power to customers within their respective service areas. If a customer was unhappy with the price they were paying, there was nothing they could do. Thanks to energy choice, this has all changed.
Albany Utility Companies
If you’re planning on moving to Albany then you will need to set up the electricity account through National Grid. National Grid is the utility company that serves the Albany service area. The utility company is responsible for managing and maintaining the lines and wires that deliver electricity to homes and businesses in the city. This service is the delivery charge and represents the regulated section of the electric bill. This means a customer will not be able to select a different utility company for delivery services.
Albany Power Outage
If you experience a power outage then you will need to contact the utility company. National Grid is responsible for fixing all power outages within its service area. Thanks to advancements in technology, potential power outages have a better chance of being detected and diverted before they can occur.
- National Grid Power Outage Number: 1-800-867-5222
- National Grid Customer Contact Number: 1-800-642-4272
Understanding the Electric Bill
The electric bill has two main charges that include the delivery and supply charge.
- Delivery Charge – The delivery charge is the regulated section of the electric bill. This charge represents the cost of the utility company to deliver the power to its customers. It is overseen by the New York Public Service Commission (PSC). Given the logistics involved, a customer will not be able to switch to another utility company.
- Supply Charge – The supply charge is the deregulated section of the electric bill. This charge represents the cost of generating the power the customer is estimated to use during a period. Energy deregulation allows the customer to change electric suppliers and lower the supply rate.
Albany Renewable Energy
The good news about being able to choose your energy supplier is the ability to select how you want the power generated. Energy suppliers offer customers a variety of energy plans that include 100% renewable energy. Renewable energy generates its power from sources that are considered cleaner than conventional sources such as coal and oil. Hydropower is the top renewable source of power generation in New York. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the state consistently ranks among the top five producers in the nation for hydroelectricity. Wind energy represents the state’s second source of renewable energy generation.
Selecting an Electric Supplier
If you’re opting of getting off the utility’s default rate then there are plenty of energy suppliers providing quality service in New York. Picking the right electric supplier largely depends on your personal preferences. Many Albany residents just want to lock in the lowest rate. However, a growing number of people are searching for renewable energy plans that are 100% generated from renewable energy sources. These plans often carry a premium due to the high cost associated with renewable energy. Whether you want the lowest rate possible or wish to go green, there will be an energy supplier right for you.
Our website offers a platform so you can easily compare electric suppliers and choose the energy plan that best fits your needs. We know how important it is to speak with a live person to answer any questions regarding energy choice. Our energy advisors have over 10 years of experience in the energy sector and will be happy to assist you in picking a new plan. Feel free to reach out today!
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