Energy Supply Rates and Usage Soar During Frigid Temperatures as NYSEG & RG&E Rates Remain Steady

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — February 25, 2025 — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) today are reminding customers on the true drivers of high bills this winter season that include soaring supply rates caused by energy generating companies along with increased household usage. NYSEG and RG&E are urging customers to take advantage of a variety of assistance programs to avoid falling behind on bills and disconnections.

NYSEG and RG&E are responsible for delivering gas and electricity to customers and issuing bills that include the cost of delivery and supply. The Companies are only responsible for the cost associated with the delivery of energy to customers that is noted in every bill, which has not increased this winter. The supply costs of gas and electricity is a price that energy generating companies have set and is a pass-through cost that NYSEG & RG&E have no control over or profit from but must collect on the customer bill.

This drastic increase in supply costs combined with households using more energy to heat their homes to the same temperature during periods of prolonged winter weather, result in a higher customer bills. During colder months, heating systems have to work harder and run longer to maintain the indoor temperature, which increases usage.

“Having unpaid bills is stressful, but we want to make sure that customers are aware of the true driver of these high bills while also offering financial help for qualifying individuals,” said Christine Alexander, vice president of Customer Service at NYSEG and RG&E. “We urge customers to contact us about assistance programs and budget billing, sooner rather than later.”

NYSEG and RG&E offer many services designed to meet the variety of customers’ needs, including the Companies’ Energy Assistance Program. Customers who qualify for the Energy Assistance Program could receive a monthly credit on their bill. It may also benefit customers to take advantage of Budget Billing, which divides yearly bills into 12 equal payments, spreading those higher winter usage totals across the months.