Consolidated Edison Cuts Power, But Questions Are Raised About the Bills

In recent days the news has been filled with stories about New York's Consolidated Edison cutting back power due to high demand caused by the rising temperatures, as well as editorial focussing on the rising electric rates. The experts at UtiliSave, LLC, the nation's leader in integrated utility cost management, cost recovery, and e-commerce procurement and information management solutions believe that consumers need to diligently explore their billings to assure that they are getting the best rates possible in today's volatile marketplace.

In a May 15th story, "Sticker Shock: 33% Increase in Electric Bills," Crain's New York Business noted how "New York City electric customers could see their bills jump by as much as 33% this summer as full deregulation of the state's energy industry takes effect." The story mentioned that this would be startling to consumers and businesses as they were told increased energy competition would lead to lower and not higher bills. UtiliSave's team of industry professionals has seen this among many of their clients, which include New York's top property owners, managers and institutions. "Because of deregulation, prices are more volatile. There is increased risk in every direction, and the answers are not necessarily intuitive," stated UtiliSave's President, Stephen Galowitz. "On the one hand, remaining with the regulated utility may increase pricing volatility. "

"On the other hand, switching to a deregulated provider may cost more. Prior to engaging our services, many of our clients felt that by making no decision to leave their present utility company, meant things would just remain the same. They were dead wrong," he continued. "Of course, we've also seen cases where clients thought they saved money by switching, but our audit revealed that they actually paid more, " he added. So what's an electric consumer to do?

"When you are in a volatile market environment and the market is against you, some pain is inevitable but you can mitigate the damage as much as possible and prepare your organization to take advantage of new opportunities as they develop in the future," explained George M. Drosdowich, UtiliSave's Director of Product Development. "You need an energy savvy player on your team to help you take maximum advantage of the system now and in the future. The markets and regulatory environment are moving so fast there is simply no time for a consumer to grow this kind of expertise."

UtiliSave has saved millions of dollars by carving out viable options and implementing them on behalf of their clientele, among them, hospitals, commercial office buildings, universities, multifamily residential developments, and other high end-users. Their team has successfully negotiated guaranteed discounts, fixed pricing, flexible contracts so that clients can change providers, and other favorable solutions in response to today's volatile market.

Edited by Stephen Heiser