Municipal Electric and Gas Alliance

December 2023 Edition

Happy Holidays from the MEGA board of directors, staff, partners at EnergyNext, and suppliers Constellation and NRG.

We appreciate the opportunity to serve you through 2023, and we look forward to working with our members throughout the coming year.

From all of us to all of you: Happy New Year!

Helping Localities and Schools Power Through Energy Transition

The Municipal Electric and Gas Alliance (MEGA) is comprised of hundreds of local governments, schools, and counties. We were created 25 years ago to aggregate the electric and gas supply needs of our members, conduct a competitive public bid, and provide the lowest cost supply of energy for the local officials who serve the public across the state.

The energy market has evolved dramatically in the past quarter century, and MEGA is evolving with it. As New York State and the rest of the world marches towards a more carbon-free future, MEGA and our partners are providing members with affordable and reliable supplies of energy, while supporting those exploring cleaner energy and sustainability initiatives.

Watch this short video to learn more about MEGA!

Natural Gas Prices Tumble

The Natural Gas market fell to its lowest point in over 18-Months over the past couple of weeks. Mild winter temperatures across New York accompanied by strong Natural Gas storage levels have continued to support bearish movement in the market. Unfortunately, any hopes for a white Christmas have been crushed as forecasts predict continued warmth into the start of 2024.

However, if forecasts shift cooler and the winter season extends into early spring, we may very well see the market move in the exact opposite direction. Cooler temperatures would drive demand and supply would have to keep pace. Recent Rig Counts suggest that production levels may be decreasing over the next few months, so a combination of slower production and higher demand could quickly push the market upward.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity available and take advantage of lower pricing by reaching out to MEGA!

State Announces New Funding for Clean Energy Communities

Governor Kathy Hochul last week announced $25 million in additional funding is now available under the State’s Clean Energy Communities Program for local municipalities to support clean energy projects and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program provides local governments with implementation grants and support for efforts to reduce municipal energy use. This announcement was aligned with the State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent by 2050.

“Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the Clean Energy Communities Program helps county, city, town, or village governments identify and implement high-impact actions that save energy and cut costs…Through a network of regionally based Clean Energy Communities Coordinators, municipalities receive guidance to navigate the program, and help in identifying, prioritizing, and implementing the most effective strategies based on their specific community needs,” according the Governor’s office.

"Our energy transition is one of the most critical aspects of our time. It affects the economy, environment, travel, housing, offices, facilities, nearly every part of our lives. NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Communities Program provides a tested framework and supportive material to help our counties navigate this transition, embrace sustainable energy practices, and walk down a path to a more carbon-free future. We commend Governor Hochul for her environmental stewardship, ensuring a greener legacy for the next generation,” said New York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario.

For more information, please visit NYSERDA's website.

MEGA Board of Directors Meet in Genesee County

The MEGA Board of Directors, comprised of leaders from member counties, local governments and schools, met last week in Batavia. Board members discussed the current request for bids for electric and gas supply, received an energy market update, and discussed options to expand programs and services to municipalities across the state. Board members also took the opportunity to tour New York’s Green Manufacturing Mega Site in the Town of Alabama. The Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) is bringing low-cost power to bear for two large innovative energy transition companies, with more than 400 buildable, shovel-ready acres available for development by other manufacturers.

Webinar to Feature Update from the state’s Grid Operator

On January 17^th, MEGA will host a webinar on the state of the electricity transmission grid. The NYS Independent Service Operator (NYSISO) will present an upcoming webinar for MEGA members on the state of the grid, the concerns with electricity generation and transmission as the state looks to reduce carbon emissions, bring more renewable energy projects online, and transition the overall energy market in the short and long terms.

Independent Review of Energy Pricing

If you need help with that due diligence, the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) has engaged an independent procurement expert that can be called on to help counties, local governments, or schools to review and compare electric or gas pricing proposals.

Karen Storm is a former Albany County Purchasing Director, former president of the New York State Association of Purchasing Officials (SAMPO) and is a sought-after trainer on local government procurement processes.

MEGA customers or any other municipality exploring MEGA pricing against other electricity or gas pricing can get help comparing contracts.

For a no cost, objective consultation of your energy pricing contracts, please contact Karen Storm at [email protected].

Visit MEGAEnergy.org to learn more!