PSEG Long Island catches heat for pricey mailer

<p>Some PSEG Long Island customers say the utility should focus less time on expensive mailers and more time on lowering rates.</p>

News 12 Staff

Aug 10, 2017, 10:46 PM

Updated 2,459 days ago

Share:

Some PSEG Long Island customers say the utility should focus less time on expensive mailers and more time on lowering rates.
MaryAnn Fox, of Ridge, called the six-page color and glossy marketing material "a waste of money." She lives on a fixed income at Leisure Glen, a senior citizen complex.
PSEG Long Island says it cost $314,000 to print and mail the flyers – amounting to about 34 cents per customer. The utility says the flyers provide valuable information on programs to save energy and lower utility bills. 
Neighbors at Leisure Glen told News 12 they should scrap the mailer and just cut electric rates.
Utility expert Matthew Cordaro says PSEG Long Island would get better results if it put its message in the monthly bill.
"I think bill stuffers are very cheap and an excellent alternative," says Cordaro. 
However, PSEG Long Island spokesman Jeff Weir says its marketing costs are average for the industry and benefit the customers. 
"By doing these types of mailers and these multichannel marketing effects, we are seeing customers saving even more…up to $200 or more on average a year," he says. 
Fox was invited to sit on a PSEG Long Island Consumer Panel.


More from News 12
0:51
Teen accused of driving stolen car while high, causing fatal crash in Centereach

Teen accused of driving stolen car while high, causing fatal crash in Centereach

1:38
Steady rain, chilly Sunday on Long Island; warmer start to workweek

Steady rain, chilly Sunday on Long Island; warmer start to workweek

0:23
Suffolk police: Pedestrian struck, killed by car in Copiague

Suffolk police: Pedestrian struck, killed by car in Copiague

0:50
Hundreds of athletes compete in Special Olympics New York Spring Games at Plainedge High School

Hundreds of athletes compete in Special Olympics New York Spring Games at Plainedge High School

0:24
Police: Huntington Station man critically injured in Dix Hills hit-and-run

Police: Huntington Station man critically injured in Dix Hills hit-and-run

0:27
Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

2:06
New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

0:21
State police: 32-year-old man killed in Wantagh Parkway crash

State police: 32-year-old man killed in Wantagh Parkway crash

0:45
Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

1:50
‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

0:46
Teachers participate at 15th annual 'GC for a Cure' 5K Run and Walk in memory of late educator

Teachers participate at 15th annual 'GC for a Cure' 5K Run and Walk in memory of late educator

0:53
Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 16 restaurants

Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 16 restaurants

0:28
Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

2:15
Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

1:32
Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

0:38
Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

1:39
Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

1:58
Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

2:15
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

1:56
JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant