Buyers cooperative offers lower electric rates

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January 31, 2012

— Chamber program offers deals through securing lower bids

Anonymous Press-Republican The Press Republican Tue Jan 31, 2012, 02:28 AM EST

PLATTSBURGH — The North Country Energy Alliance can help businesses, nonprofits and local governments save money on electric costs.

The Free Buyers Cooperative, available through the North Country Chamber of Commerce, qualifies for lower rates by organizing hundreds of customers and securing competitive bids from major energy producers.

Chamber President Garry Douglas said there is no gimmick, no cost to participants and no linkage to any specific provider.

"We employ a team of consultants who act as our buyer brokers, going out to bid at least every two years while allowing newcomers to sign up at any point along the way," he said in a press release. "Savings can range from modest (amounts) to thousands of dollars, depending on usage and current provider.

"Any business, nonprofit or local government in NYSEG or National Grid territory who is not already in the program should check it out. We just need account information so we can estimate what the savings would be, and only then does a customer need to decide to sign up."

Customers in municipal-electric communities, such as the City of Plattsburgh and Village of Rouses Point, are not eligible.

The program is available to members of the North Country Chamber and its partners.

Non-chamber members are invited to obtain a savings estimate and then decide if they want to join a chamber in order to sign up for the program.

For more information, go to northcountrycham ber.com or call 563-1000.