January’s deep freeze could soon hit Penn Yan residents in the wallet, with higher electric bills expected this spring, according to village officials.
Leaders in the Village of Penn Yan say wholesale power prices spiked during the cold snap, forcing the municipal electric department to pass those costs directly to customers. The increases could start showing up as early as March under the Purchase Power Adjustment Charge, which reflects actual supply and transmission costs.
Officials stressed the village controls delivery, not power prices. They say advance purchases through the New York Municipal Power Agency helped limit the damage, preventing rates from rising about 30 percent more. Even so, residents are urged to conserve energy and consider efficiency upgrades.
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