At Hippo's Home Entertainment Center in Albany there are wall to wall TV's hanging on the wall. Add to that stereo equipment and lights, and even though electronics are much more energy efficient now, when you have that many things plugged in you will get a hefty electric bill.
"Between $1000-$1200 a month," said Tony Hazapis, owner of Hippo's.
Next year Hippo's could save up $250 off that bill as National Grid lowers it's rates. When you look at your bill the savings will be seen in the delivery services section which is what National Grid covers. The supply services, or electricity, comes elsewhere. It will lower your overall bill.
"Every year costs usually only go in one direction and that's up so to get any kind of relief in this economy is good news," said Hazapis.
"It's about 6% for residential customers but the commercial and industrial customers could see up to a 23% decrease on overall bills," said Patrick Stella, spokesperson for National Grid.
The big reason is that a charge put in place when National Grid and Niagara Mohawk merged has now been eliminated.
"We've collected the fees that we were assessed to collect ten years ago," said Stella.
At Maple Ski Ridge the savings will be even higher. With night skiing lights, the chair lift and making snow they spend about $21,000 a year for delivery alone. Now, they could save up to $9,300.
"We could really use a break," said Carolyn LaHart, from Maple Ski Ridge.
It means the company could upgrade equipment to be more energy efficient or even hire someone new. It already is working with a wind turbine and an energy efficiency company to decrease its footprint.
The family owned business says it works hard to keep things affordable for the community. Next year it will hit it's 50th anniversary.
"We do this to make sure everyone is having a good time," said LaHart.
"I think our grandparents would be very happy to see that we're still here, they would be startled to see our energy bill that's for sure. It'd be nice to remain open," said Kate Michener.
There is still an additional charge already built into this rate to make up for costs from, for example, Hurricane Irene. That would run out in 2013. National Grid says it's working on a new rate case so that in the future rates remain more steady.
