Frequently Asked Questions
What is Community Choice Aggregation?
On April 21, 2016, the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) enabled Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) Opt-Out programs, offering residential and small commercial customers an opportunity to receive more attractive energy supply options and terms by leveraging the bargaining power that the aggregation of utility accounts within a jurisdiction provides. In doing so, the program seeks to educate, empower, and encourage communities and individuals to take control of their energy futures.
What is a CCA Administrator?
The CCA Administrator is a company, non-profit, or local government that has been authorized by the Public Service Commission to administer a community choice aggregation program in the State. The CCA Administrator works with the Town to design and implement the CCA program consistent with the goals of the municipality and its constituents, while maintaining compliance of all CCA program requirements. On behalf of the Town, the CCA Administrator then solicits bids, awards a supply contract, and performs the necessary program outreach and education to ensure residents are well informed about the program. The CCA Administrator works with the utility to ensure efficient and proper enrollment.
What role does my municipality play?
The Town of Penfield is the primary party responsible for meeting the requirements established by the Public Service Commission. To enable CCA in our municipality, a Local Law was first passed that allowed for opt-out enrollment of eligible residential and small commercial accounts. Penfield then selected a CCA Administrator to perform the necessary CCA program requirements.
What does opt-out enrollment mean?
Opt-out enrollment means that you are automatically enrolled in the CCA program (default product, Penfield Green) nunless you take action to opt out of the program (not enroll). You may opt out online by calling Constellation NewEnergy (Constellation) at (833) 942-3023, or by mail. Specific contact information, as well as the opt-out deadline, is included in the opt-out letter. If you opt out of Penfield CCA, your choice will be recognized for the life of the program. If you decide to enroll in the future, you may do so online, or contact the CCA Administrator by email, or by phone at (585) 310-0236.
Who is eligible to participate?
Most residential and small commercial customers are eligible to be enrolled in Penfield CCA via standard opt-out methods. However, if you have placed an Energy Service Company (ESCO) block on your account, or are currently receiving supply services from an ESCO, you are not eligible for opt-out enrollment. If you are an Assistance Program Participant (APP), you are only eligible to participate if the CCA program has an approved guaranteed savings product offering.
*This program is not available to APP customers.
Does the CCA program replace my utility company?
No, RG&E will continue to deliver your power and respond to outages. You will also continue receive one bill from RG&E, but “Constellation NewEnergy, Inc. Good Energy CCA Penfield” will be reflected in the supply section of your bill, indicating that you are participating in the program.
Will I save money on my monthly bill?
Unless you are receiving a guaranteed savings supply product offering, e.g., APP, savings over the utility supply rate are not guaranteed. However, given the ability to aggregate, or pool, electricity demand within the jurisdictional boundaries of Penfield, the potential exists for more competitive pricing and greater savings for CCA program participants than what the individual account holder would normally have enjoyed. Because the Town has chosen a renewable supply product offering, you may pay a small premium over RG&E’s default supply rate.
*This program is not available to APP customers.
How will my utility bill change?
You will continue to receive one bill from RG&E. The only portion of the bill that will change will be the Supply section indicating the ESCO, Constellation, and Penfield CCA serving your municipality. The supply section of your bill will say “Constellation NewEnergy, Inc. Good Energy CCA Penfield“.
What products are available?
This CCA program was designed in partnership with the Town of Penfield. This includes the supply products offered to their constituents, including the default supply product that participants will automatically be enrolled in, Penfield Green. Penfield Green is composed of 50% local renewable electricity. The other product option is Penfield 100 and is composed of 100% local renewable electricity. Both options use Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) sourced from the New York Voluntary Environmental Disclosure Program (EDP) associated with New York Clean Energy Standard requirements.
How do I opt out?
There are multiple ways to opt out of the program. You may opt out online by calling Constellation at (833) 942-3023, or by mail (opt-out reply card enclosed with the opt-out letter originally sent to you). Specific contact information, as well as the opt-out deadline is included in the opt-out letter. If you opt out of Penfield CCA, your choice will be recognized for the life of the program. If you decide to enroll in the future, you may do so online, or contact the CCA Administrator by email, or by phone at (585) 310-0236.
Can I participate if I opted out previously?
Yes, you can always opt back into the program after having previously opted out, but you may need to wait until the next billing period for the change to take effect. If you decide to enroll or re-enroll, you may do so online, or contact the CCA Administrator by email, or by phone at (585) 310-0236.
Will this program affect my APP status?
The CCA program does not affect your APP status. If a CCA intends to serve Assistance Program Participants, it must first get approval of the guaranteed savings product that it intends to provide to its APP customers.
*This program is not available to APP customers.
Is there a fee for cancellation or opting out?
No, there is never a fee for cancellation or opting out of the program. You may also re-enroll, opt in or opt up anytime without any fees.
What account information is being shared?
Customer energy usage data is aggregated and anonymized when used for bid solicitations. It does not contain any customer specific details. Your name and address are subsequently provided to the winning ESCO in order to send the opt-out letter containing important Penfield CCA details. Upon enrollment, your information, including energy usage data and APP status, is provided to Constellation, the ESCO serving the program.
*This program is not available to APP customers.
How is my information being protected?
Before receiving any data from the utility, the CCA Administrator and ESCO signed a Data Security Agreement (DSA) with RG&E. The DSA ensures the utility has the appropriate cybersecurity and privacy protections in place to protect your information.
Who can I contact to report a problem or voice a complaint?
Complaints may be made to the CCA Administrator, Municipal Liaison, or the ESCO, Constellation. Contact information is listed on the opt-out letter and this website. Complaints may also be made to the NYS Department of Public Service Office of Consumer Services at (800) 342-3377.