Compare electricity rates in Binghamton

Energy prices in Binghamton vary. That’s because New York is one of a handful of states with deregulated electricity and natural gas. Consumers aren’t locked in with utilities such as New York State Electric and Gas. Energy service companies, also known as ESCOs, offer plans that can have better rates, greener products and other add-ons for business and residential customers in Binghamton.

What’s a consumer to do? The answer is simple for residents in a state like New York – just enter your ZIP code above to see what plans are available to you.

Binghamton residents have energy choice because New York state adopted deregulation in 1996. That opened markets up to competition between ESCOs and utilities, laying the groundwork for downward pressure on pricing.

What deregulation really does is separate the process of supplying electricity and transmitting it. Electricity is still transmitted by utilities, which also still have the responsibility for maintain the grid. Natural gas, under deregulation, performs in a similar manner.

To check out the latest rates in your area, enter your ZIP code above.

Sure, the easy path for Binghamton electricity customers would be to stay with NYSEG month after month, accepting any rate increases. But that’s not the path savvy customers should take. Isn’t it better to see what else is available? Checking doesn’t require a commitment to switch.

Savings don’t make up the sole reason to switch: Many business and residential electricity consumers want to make use of electricity produced from renewable sources such as wind and solar. ESCOs offer plans wholly or partially sourced with green energy – allowing users to cut their carbon footprints.

What’s important for other customers is greater predictability for bills – if the rate is stable, then the only variable is usage. Customers have more control over use.

Exercising energy choice in Binghamton or elsewhere in New York could hardly be easier. Enter your ZIP code above, browse the plans provided, pick the one you like and sign up for service. Your new ESCO will notify your utility and any other entity that needs to know about the change.

What does it mean for your service? Not much; there shouldn’t be an interruption, and you don’t need a new meter or other equipment.

Following are some FAQs for signing up for an ESCO in Binghamton:

What do I do when there’s a power outage?

Your utility will continue to be responsible for transmitting power to your home and maintaining electricity lines and other infrastructure. Contact it whenever there’s an outage or other problem connected with receiving electricity.

When my new plan ends, what happens?

At least 30 days before your plan expires, your energy supplier should contact you. You have two choices: either shop for a new plan or stay with your ESCO. However, if you don’t make arrangements with your supplier, you could be moved into a different plan that could have higher rates.

Is a deposit required to start service?

It could be. Some ESCOs require credit checks. Your score could determine whether a provider will require a deposit before it begins your service.

Can I cancel my new plan?

Most plans allow you to cancel service within a certain time. But many have early termination fees (ETFs); read a plans Terms & Conditions and other documents before you commit to a contract.