Orange and Rockland Utility Company
Contents
- 1 Orange and Rockland Utility Company
- 2 Orange and Rockland Power Outage
- 3 New York Energy Deregulation
- 4 Understanding the Electric Bill
- 5 Orange and Rockland Price to Compare
- 6 Orange and Rockland Energy Efficiency
- 7 Choosing an Electric Supplier
- 8 What is the Price to Compare?
- 9 When Will I be Switched to the New Energy Supplier?
- 10 Are There Hidden Charges?
- 11 Is There an Early Cancellation Fee?
- 12 What Happens at the End of my Term?
- 13 New York Utilities
- 14 Clean Energy
- 15 Electricity Rates
Orange and Rockland is a utility company that serves both New York and New Jersey. The company’s service area covers over 1,300 square miles including 139,000 natural gas customers and over 300,000 electric customers. Originally founded as Rockland Light & Power Co in 1899, the utility company merged with Orange and Rockland Electric Company, becoming Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. Residents that live in the Orange and Rockland Utility service area have the power to lower the electric bill by choosing a competing electric supplier. Shopping for a new energy supplier can save the average customer over 10% on energy bills.
Orange and Rockland Power Outage
If you recently changed electric suppliers and experience a power outage, then you will need to contact Orange and Rockland. The utility company is responsible for resolving all power issues within its service area. Thanks to advancements in technology, most potential power outages can be detected and diverted before they can occur.
- Orange and Rockland Customer Service Contact Number: 1-877-434-4100
New York Energy Deregulation
New York is one of many states that has deregulated its electricity market with the passage of the Competitive Opportunities Case in 1996. This unbundled the responsibilities of the utility companies and opened the door for outside energy suppliers to offer generation services to New Yorkers. Before energy deregulation, the utility companies had a monopoly over the generation, transmission, and delivery of power within their respective service areas. Now the main job of Orange and Rockland is delivery services. Energy deregulation allows customers to choose another electric supplier and lower the supply rate on the electric bill.
Understanding the Electric Bill
The electric bill is split between two main charges that include the delivery and supply charge.
- Delivery Charge – The delivery charge represents the regulated section of the electric bill and is charged to the customer by the utility company. This is the cost of maintaining the lines and wires to safely deliver the power to the customers. The delivery charge is overseen by the New York Public Service Commission.
- Supply Charge – The supply charge represents the deregulated section of the electric bill. This is the cost of generating the power the customer is estimated to use during a period. Thanks to energy choice, customers can choose another electric supplier and lower the supply rate on the electric bill.
Orange and Rockland Price to Compare
Orange and Rockland is required to act as the supplier of last resort to customers that decide not to switch over to an alternate electric supplier. The default rate for supply services is known as the price to compare. The price to compare is a monthly variable rate. Customers can use the price to compare while shopping for energy suppliers. If an energy supplier is offering a rate lower than the price to compare, then the customer will be saving money by switching to the new energy supplier.
Orange and Rockland Energy Efficiency
The utility company is often looking for ways to save its customers more money on energy usage. Besides lowering the supply on the electric bill, the customer can switch to energy-saving devices. Orange and Rockland offer customers programs on products or devices that will help cut down on everyday energy usage. One such program is called Smart Savers. Eligible customers may qualify for an $85 rebate when purchasing a smart thermostat.
Customers may also be eligible to receive discounts on energy-saving LED light bulbs. LED energy-efficient light bulbs are known to use 80% less energy than conventional light bulbs. Investing in LED light bulbs for your house can lead to major energy savings.
Choosing an Electric Supplier
For those who don’t like not knowing what the rate will be every month, then there are better alternatives than Orange and Rockland price to compare. Lock in a long-term fixed-rate with an alternate electric supplier and get the price security you deserve. Fixed rates will not fluctuate nor will they increase in a rising market. The rates are locked in and will protect the customer against the volatility of the energy market.
With so many electric suppliers offering services in New York, how do you know which one is right for you? Selecting an electric supplier may be more than just the price you pay. Of course, everyone wants the lowest price, but others may want an energy supplier that offers 100% renewable energy. If you decide to go with an energy plan that is 100% renewable, then expect to pay a premium. Renewable energy plans are often more expensive than conventional plans that are sourced through coal and oil.
Below are a few questions you may need to ask before choosing a new energy supplier.
What is the Price to Compare?
The price to compare is a monthly variable rate. A customer can find their current price to compare on the electric bill. If you are having issues finding the rate, then you can contact Orange and Rockland to find out the current rate. The price to compare rate can then be used to shop for a new energy supplier.
When Will I be Switched to the New Energy Supplier?
When you enroll with a new energy supplier, expect to be switched over on the next available meter read. The meter read cycle is typically every 30 days. It’s common for the enrollment process to take a few days. If you sign up with a new energy plan two days before your meter read, then you might not be switched over until the following month.
Are There Hidden Charges?
If you come across an energy plan that looks too good to be true, then it probably is. Energy suppliers advertising a low supply rate will often have additional charges such as a monthly meter fee charge. All additional charges will be listed in the terms and conditions of each plan.
Is There an Early Cancellation Fee?
Most energy plans will include an early cancellation fee if the customer changes suppliers before the end of the agreement. Early cancellation fees can cost up to $300! Be sure to read the terms and conditions for any early cancellation fees if you decide to switch energy suppliers before the expiration of your agreement.
What Happens at the End of my Term?
It’s common for most energy suppliers to put the customer on a monthly variable rate after the expiration of the initial term. Once this happens don’t be surprised to have the electric bill double or even triple in a single billing period. We strongly recommend locking in a new energy plan a month before your current plan expires.