Report any outage to NYSEG's automated system by calling 1-800-572-1131 from your home phone as soon as you know of a problem. The system will know where you are. It is important to call as soon as you experience an outage so their system can quickly determine the scope and location of the problem. Calling helps them find and fix the problem faster so don't hesitate. Call back the same number and it will give you an estimate of the time before power is restored. You can report outages online too.
NYSEG's regular business number is 1.800.572.1111 and they have a great online customer account site. Use this to turn service on or off and deal with billing questions, pay your bill online, etc. Most importantly you can select your electricity supplier and type of program. You can choose, for example, to buy power from green supplier (hydro from Quebec). You can also select a fixed price or variable market price that changes with the price of fuels. I switched from a fixed price to a market-based variable price and my bill dropped by half!
If you install solar panels, for example, NYSEG must buy power from you. Your meter runs backwards. BUT, when the power is out, your solar panels will not power your home. The same holds true for windmills. Storage of power for use on a cloudy day or a night is a whole different issue.
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