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Tompkins County reports big drop in natural gas use but rising bills; officials cite rate and supply changes
Summary
County sustainability staff reported a nearly one-third drop in government natural gas use in 2024 and continued progress on electrification and solar projects, but rising electricity supply and demand charges and lower hydro output left the county—s energy bills higher.
Tompkins County officials on May 6 reported a substantial decline in government natural gas consumption in 2024 but said energy costs rose because of higher supply rates, increased demand charges and lower hydroelectric output.
Terry Carroll, Tompkins County chief sustainability officer, and Haley Delisle, sustainability coordinator, told the county legislature the county—s buildings accounted for the largest portion of energy use. Carroll said natural gas usage fell by nearly a third from 2023 to 2024, a change he attributed to geothermal conversion at the Public Works facility and major HVAC upgrades at the public library and the mental-health building.
"Almost every single building saw a decrease in natural gas usage,"…
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