Local governments and school districts don’t always evaluate procurement options or make comparisons to benchmark rates to ensure they received the lowest prices for electricity and natural gas. That was the finding of a recent audit conducted by the state comptroller’s office. Five of seven entities reviewed, including Broome and Cortland Counties spent approximately $2.4 million more for electricity than the benchmark rate used by auditors. Auditors said three units, Broome County, Cortland County and North Syracuse Central School District spent about $391,000 or51 percent more for natural gas than a potential benchmark that was identified.
