Picture this: you've just opened your latest NYSEG bill, and that number at the bottom makes your heart sink. You're not alone. With NYSEG implementing a skyrocketing three-year rate increase that began in November 2023, residential electric customers are facing monthly bill increases of around $10 initially, with additional increases of about $9 starting May 2024 and another $11 coming in May 2025—adding up to approximately $30 more per month by the end of the three-year period.

For many homeowners in Binghamton and surrounding areas, these rising costs are becoming a real concern. But before you resign yourself to higher bills, there's good news: strategic electrical upgrades can help offset these increases by making your home more energy-efficient. As your trusted local electrical professionals, we at Albrite Electric want to share some practical solutions that can help you take control of your energy costs.

Why NYSEG Bills Are Increasing

Most of the recent NYSEG rate increases come from higher delivery charges—what NYSEG charges for delivering energy through their network of transmission lines. These charges will increase by 62% for electricity compared to October 2023 rates. While we can't control utility rate decisions, we can help you reduce your overall consumption, which directly impacts your bill.

Simple Electrical Upgrades to Lower Your Bill

1. Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

If your home has an older electrical panel, upgrading it could be a smart investment. Many homeowners don't realize that electrical panel upgrades can qualify for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit for up to $3,200, available for improvements made through 2032. Beyond tax benefits, a modern panel offers several energy-saving advantages:

• Improved energy distribution: Modern electrical panels optimize energy distribution throughout your home, reducing energy waste and potentially lowering your monthly expenses.
• Support for energy-efficient appliances: New panels accommodate energy-efficient technologies that older panels may struggle with.
• Enhanced safety features: New electrical panels use circuit breakers, surge protection, and arc fault protection to lower the chances of an electrical overload.

Learn why old electrical panels need to be changed out for safety reasons

2. Switch to LED Lighting

One of the simplest yet most effective upgrades is replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with LED lighting. According to the Department of Energy, LEDs consume up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, making them highly cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

For a typical Binghamton home, replacing just your five most-used light fixtures with ENERGY STAR-certified LED bulbs can save you around $75 per year. Plus, LED bulbs produce less heat, reducing the strain on your cooling system during summer months.

Contact us about professional lighting installation

3. Install Smart Thermostats and Controls

Installing a programmable thermostat can reduce energy consumption without having to adjust your lifestyle, with estimates suggesting you can save about 10% on your energy bill with a smart thermostat.

Smart home technology doesn't stop at thermostats. Consider these additional smart controls:

• Smart power strips that cut power to devices when they're not in use
• Motion sensors for lights in less-frequently used areas
• Smart outlets that can be controlled and monitored remotely

While you might be able to install basic smart home devices yourself, professional installation ensures proper integration with your electrical system for maximum efficiency and safety.

4. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances

When it's time to replace appliances, choosing energy-efficient models can significantly impact your electric bill. Refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers are at the top of the list for appliances that use the most electricity. When shopping, look for the Energy Star label, which means the product has met the EPA's energy-savings standards.

To accommodate these newer appliances, you may need:

• Dedicated circuits for high-draw appliances
• Additional outlets in strategic locations
• Upgraded wiring to handle modern power requirements

Learn about our outlet installation services

5. Address Phantom Energy Usage

Leaving gadgets and charger cords plugged in when not in use can account for as much as 10% of a home's energy use. Simply unplugging what's not being used can make a big difference on your energy bills.

A practical solution is having an electrician install:

• Built-in USB outlets that use minimal standby power
• Timed outlets that automatically shut off during certain hours
• Smart home integration that monitors and controls energy usage

Do you live in a home with a well?  If you have a leaky toilet or dripping faucet, your well pump may be turning on and off every minute, causing considerable energy consumption.  If your toilet is contantly running or hear your faucet running, be sure to call your local plumber and have them address the problem to save on your electric bills.

6. Consider Whole-House Generators with Smart Load Management

While not primarily an energy-saving device, a whole-house generator with smart load management can protect you during outages while optimizing energy use. Home standby generators can provide automatic backup power to your home in the event that utility power fails. Modern systems include features that prioritize critical systems while efficiently managing overall power consumption.

Learn about our generator installation services

Long-Term Solutions to Consider

Solar Panel Connections

Over time, you can save tens of thousands of dollars on your energy bill by investing in solar panels. EnergySage estimates savings of $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years. Plus, the market value of a home with solar panels could rise slightly due to the upgrade.

While we don't install solar panels, our team can ensure your electrical system is ready to integrate with solar technology, setting you up for future energy independence.

EV Charging Stations

With more homeowners switching to electric vehicles, installing an EV charging station is a forward-thinking investment. Through the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate program, you may be eligible for up to $1,750 in rebates, or a Home Efficiency Rebate, which provides up to $8,000 off projects that significantly reduce household energy use.

Explore our EV charging station installation services

Small Changes That Make a Big Difference

Beyond major upgrades, these smaller electrical changes can help reduce your NYSEG bill:

• Replace old ceiling fans with modern, energy-efficient models that use less electricity
• Install timers or motion sensors for outdoor lighting to avoid leaving lights on unnecessarily
• Update bathroom ventilation fans to energy-efficient models that remove moisture efficiently while using less power
• Add dimmer switches to control lighting levels and reduce energy consumption

Why Professional Installation Matters

While DIY projects might seem cost-effective upfront, professional electrical installation ensures:

• Code compliance for safety and efficiency
• Proper integration with existing systems
• Maximum energy-saving benefits
• Long-term reliability and performance

As a family-owned business serving the Greater Binghamton area since 1999, Albrite Electric understands the unique electrical needs of homes in our community. Our certified technicians can provide a comprehensive assessment of your home's electrical system and recommend targeted upgrades that will deliver the greatest energy savings for your specific situation.

Next Steps: Your Energy Efficiency Plan

Ready to start saving on your NYSEG bill? Here's how to get started:

1. Schedule an electrical assessment with Albrite Electric to identify energy-wasting issues
2. Prioritize upgrades based on your budget and potential savings
3. Implement changes with professional installation for optimal results
4. Monitor your savings by comparing bills before and after upgrades

Don't let rising NYSEG rates drain your budget. Take control of your energy consumption with strategic electrical upgrades that pay for themselves over time. Contact Albrite Electric today at (607) 748-2105 to schedule your energy efficiency consultation and start saving!

Request an estimate today