FAIRPORT, N.Y. — Electric bills are up for everyone this month. Some homeowners saw their Fairport electric bills go up to nearly $1,000.
Fairport Electric, known for its typically low prices, does not set the rates, it just delivers the energy. The Village of Fairport Manager Brian White explained that the state manages the market, and the increased prices are due to higher demand.
White says the company expects increased demand in the winter, but this winter, it was both the severity and longevity of cold temperatures.
“So when that supply that’s interrupted due to just demand being more than what it can handle normally, other generating entities need to come online in an effort to meet that demand,” White said.
White says the base costs remain the same for the company’s 20,000 customers, but purchasing supplemental power to meet demand increases costs, which is reflected in the bills.
Amie Fabrizio, a Fairport Electric customer, experienced a 50% increase in her bills for both her home and business. She says it costs the same to heat her 700 square foot shot as it does to heat her entire home.
“I think that’s because this is an older building. And, you know, obviously the door opens and closes a lot more,” Fabrizio said.
Other homeowners in Fairport shared similar experiences, expressing concern over the state’s planning for green energy and hoping for accountability if another severe winter occurs.
Fairport Electric stated that the bills customers receive over the next four weeks will reflect January prices, indicating that those still waiting on their bill should expect it to reference last month’s usage.
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