Customers of New York State Electric & Gas and Rochester Gas and Electric can now take more control over their monthly energy costs with a new tool unveiled Thursday.
The utilities introduced Usage Alerts, a smart meter-based system that provides real-time text and email notifications about changes in energy consumption.
“Usage Alerts empower our customers to manage their energy consumption,” said Christine Alexander, vice president of Customer Service for NYSEG and RG&E. “It is part of our commitment to continuously improve the customer experience by providing more useful, personalized tools that make energy management easier. These alerts help identify changes in energy use and give you greater control over your monthly energy bills.”
Customers can choose from three types of alerts: abnormal usage, threshold, and weekly summaries. Abnormal usage alerts notify users when their daily usage is at least 50 percent higher or 75 percent lower than their 30-day average for three consecutive days. Threshold alerts are triggered when a customer’s self-set monthly usage limit is exceeded. Weekly alerts summarize energy use over the past seven days.
The program aims to help customers lower their bills by spotting patterns or sudden changes in usage. The utilities say this can prompt simple steps like adjusting a thermostat, shutting off unneeded appliances, or spotting faulty equipment.
Customers with smart meters can activate and customize their alerts through the NYSEG or RG&E “My Account” online portal. Usage Alerts are not available to those with legacy meters.
More information, including energy-saving tips and account tools, is available at www.nyseg.com and www.rge.com.
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