|
Village utility customers may have noticed an increase in the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) during this winter. During January and February, several significant snowstorms and long periods of very low temperatures resulted in overall higher electric usage. Global fuel and energy prices also increased.
The Village is a part of the New York Power Authority and receives hydropower from Niagara Falls. We are one of only three municipalities in Long Island who are able to participate due to our long standing back up power generation. This saves our customers money as compared to PSEG/LIPA customers. When demand exceeds the Village’s hydropower allocation, we have to purchase supplemental electricity on the open market. This power comes at a significantly higher cost, which impacts the overall rate. (This is the Purchased Power Adj. portion of your bill.)
- The winter weather also made it difficult for our meter readers to safely access some meters. In these cases, bills were estimated based on each customer’s prior 12-month average usage. Once actual meter readings were obtained, accounts were adjusted to reflect true usage. This may have resulted in a higher bill in a subsequent month, often referred to as a “catch-up” bill. While this can be unexpected, it does not mean you were overcharged—it reflects electricity that was used but not fully captured during the estimated billing periods.
- Please remember to keep electric and water meters cleared of brush, plants and snow so meter readers can access them in a timely manner.
If you have questions about your specific account, please contact the Village office at 631-477-0248 x211, and we would be happy to review your usage with you.
| 
