NYSEG and RG&E Help Customers Manage Summer Energy Costs with Free Digital Tools and Assistance Programs
Companies encourage customers to enroll in usage alerts, use energy management tools, and explore assistance programs as higher temperatures and energy market prices may impact summer bills
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — July 17, 2026 — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are encouraging customers to take advantage of free online tools, energy-saving resources, and bill assistance programs that can help them manage energy use and costs this summer. Together, hotter summer temperatures and increased energy usage could result in increased costs associated with the supply portion of a customer’s bills.
NYSEG and RG&E do not profit from the supply portion of a customer’s bill. Supply is a pass-through cost, meaning customers pay the same price the utilities pay to purchase electricity on their behalf. Those prices are set by the wholesale energy market and can fluctuate based on market conditions and demand.
"We understand that higher energy costs can create challenges for customers, especially during periods of extreme summer heat when energy use tends to increase," said Patrick Fox, Senior Director, NY Energy Services. "While supply prices are determined by energy markets and not by NYSEG or RG&E, we offer a variety of free tools and resources that can help customers better understand their energy use, make informed decisions, and identify opportunities to manage costs."
As energy needs change throughout the year, digital tools such as Usage Alerts and Energy Manager give customers more control over their energy usage and costs by delivering timely information that can help them make informed decisions.
Personalized Alerts Help Customers Track Energy Usage
NYSEG and RG&E customers can enroll to receive automated notifications by text message or email through the companies' Usage Alerts program.
The service provides proactive notifications designed to help customers monitor their energy use and identify unusual changes before they appear on a monthly bill.
Available alerts include:
- Usage Change Alerts, which notify customers when their daily energy usage is higher or lower than their average usage over the previous 30 days for three consecutive days.
- Usage Amount Exceeded Alerts, which allow customers to establish a monthly energy-use threshold and receive a notification if that level is exceeded.
- Weekly Usage Summaries, which provide regular updates on energy consumption trends and help customers track progress toward their energy-saving goals.
By making customers aware of changes in usage as they occur, these alerts can help identify seasonal fluctuations, equipment issues, or other factors affecting energy consumption.
Customers can learn more and enroll by visiting Outage Alerts - NYSEG or Outage Alerts - RGE.
Energy Manager Provides Detailed Usage Insights
NYSEG and RG&E also offer Energy Manager, a free and secure online tool that gives customers deeper insight into how and when they use energy.
Customers with smart meters can access detailed hourly energy-use information, while customers without smart meters can view monthly consumption data. The tool helps customers evaluate energy-use patterns, compare consumption over time, and make informed choices about energy efficiency.
Whether identifying periods of increased usage, tracking the impact of energy-saving improvements, or simply gaining a better understanding of household energy needs, Energy Manager provides information customers can use to manage energy more effectively.
Customers can access Energy Manager by visiting Energy Manager - NYSEG or Energy Manager - RGE.
Easy, Free, and Available Anytime
Both Usage Alerts and Energy Manager are available at no cost to customers and can be accessed through NYSEG and RG&E online accounts.
By leveraging these digital tools, customers can stay informed about their energy usage, make decisions that support energy efficiency, and gain greater confidence in managing their monthly energy expenses.
Additional Ways to Save Energy This Summer
NYSEG and RG&E encourage customers to take simple steps to help reduce energy use during periods of high temperatures, including:
- Raising thermostat settings when possible.
- Using fans to improve air circulation.
- Closing blinds, shades, and curtains during the hottest parts of the day.
- Limiting the use of heat-generating appliances during peak afternoon hours.
- Maintaining and replacing HVAC filters as recommended.
Bill Assistance Programs Available
Customers who may have difficulty managing higher summer energy bills are encouraged to explore payment assistance and bill management programs available through NYSEG and RG&E.
Customers who may have difficulty managing higher summer energy bills are encouraged to explore payment assistance and bill management programs available through NYSEG and RG&E. Customers can visit Help With Your Bill | NYSEG - NYSEG or Help With Your Bill | RG&E - RGE or call NYSEG at 888.315.1755 or RG&E at 877.266.3492 to learn more about available assistance programs and find out if they qualify.
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