Electric Bill Savings

[aygart]

Do you have any insights on residential gas in Brooklyn?

I believe I am with National Grid with that, but haven't looked at my bill for a while. Maybe now is a good time to lock in a long-term fixed rate (though unlike electricity, on natural gas I did have an opinion about prices for a while, but haven't been following that market in a while).

Also stay with Nat Grid. You probably ha an opinion on long term gas prices which do not really translate to the short term. Also, NYC city gate prices are affected by location specific items.

Electricity prices of late have been mostly dependent on NG anyhow.

[aygart]

Just like every ESCO out there, which is why I say that residential energy deregulation is government sanctioned fraud and abuse.

The NY PSC has made a lot of headway in that regard but, as is typical of regulators, really missed the boat in how to correct the problem. They seem to have purposely went overboard while Usher Fogel A"h was sick which led the courts to strike it down as overreach.

[ExGingi]

Now if there was only a way to save on the water and sewer bill...

[alexk.]

Just an FYI on this topic - if you are signed up with an ESCO, there is a tool on Con Ed's website that compares Con Ed's rates to yours and lets you know if you are saving money...

[dovy2]

got a +500 check from the ambit settlement case... good thing I took the time to file those 9 little postcards that came in the mail a year ago!

[JudahMcB]

Anyone have any experience with Arbor (https://joinarbor.com)? From their website:

"Arbor's TrueRate Protection is a free service that automates monthly savings on your electric bill by ensuring you are always paying the best rate. Your TrueRate reflects the actual, true price of electricity in your area, without markups, hidden fees, or surprise rate hikes. Activate TrueRate Protection and we'll track the TrueRate in your area and compare the best available rates to your current price. If the TrueRate goes below your current rate, we'll notify you and automatically enroll you in the lower rate."

I don't see a downside to this. Worst case, you don't approve switching to a different provider. As long as you check your monthly statements to make sure you aren't getting ripped off (Ambit Energy anyone?) is there any risk?

[dovy2]

Can't make much sense.. most of the really low rate are only when locking in for x amount of months.. so you can't just hop around

[avromie7]

Anyone have any experience with Arbor (https://joinarbor.com)? From their website:

"Arbor's TrueRate Protection is a free service that automates monthly savings on your electric bill by ensuring you are always paying the best rate. Your TrueRate reflects the actual, true price of electricity in your area, without markups, hidden fees, or surprise rate hikes. Activate TrueRate Protection and we'll track the TrueRate in your area and compare the best available rates to your current price. If the TrueRate goes below your current rate, we'll notify you and automatically enroll you in the lower rate."

I don't see a downside to this. Worst case, you don't approve switching to a different provider. As long as you check your monthly statements to make sure you aren't getting ripped off (Ambit Energy anyone?) is there any risk?

Can't make much sense.. most of the really low rate are only when locking in for x amount of months.. so you can't just hop around

They're just a broker. While they claim to have your best interest in mind, and they will compare rates from many suppliers; which is way better than just getting a quote directly from a supplier, they still want to get you signed up with someone. They say they only do fixed rate which means you're locked into a 12 month contract, if your utility rate goes down you lose if the utility rate goes up you save. Just like with any supplier, savings are far from guaranteed.

[aygart]

They're just a broker. While they claim to have your best interest in mind, and they will compare rates from many suppliers; which is way better than just getting a quote directly from a supplier, they still want to get you signed up with someone. They say they only do fixed rate which means you're locked into a 12 month contract, if your utility rate goes down you lose if the utility rate goes up you save. Just like with any supplier, savings are far from guaranteed.

They can do shorter term contracts.

[avromie7]

They can do shorter term contracts.

They can, but it seems they generally do 12+ months http://support.joinarbor.com/en/articles/3713318-what-s-the-difference-between-fixed-rate-variable-rate-rates

[aygart]

They can, but it seems they generally do 12+ months http://support.joinarbor.com/en/articles/3713318-what-s-the-difference-between-fixed-rate-variable-rate-rates

I hear, what they really should do is..........