New York Electricity Rates: A Comprehensive Guide
New York deregulated its electricity market in 1996, empowering residents and businesses to choose their electricity supplier. As of March 2026, New York’s average electricity rate is 27.07¢/kWh, 50% higher than the national average of 18.05¢/kWh. This guide provides a detailed overview of the New York electricity market, helping you navigate your options and potentially save money.
Key Takeaways
- NY residential rate: 27.07¢/kWh (50% above national avg)
- NY commercial rate: 22.54¢/kWh
- Six utilities with full retail choice
- 70% clean energy target by 2030 (CLCPA)
- Suppliers are called ESCOs (Energy Service Companies)
- Switch suppliers with zero service interruption
How New York Electricity Deregulation Works
In 1996, New York restructured its electricity market, separating electricity generation from delivery across all six investor-owned utilities. Competitive suppliers – known as ESCOs (Energy Service Companies) – are licensed by the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) to sell electricity directly to consumers. Your utility continues to deliver power, handle outages, and maintain infrastructure.
- Identify Your Utility: Check your bill to determine which of New York’s six investor-owned utilities serves your area.
- Compare ESCOs: Browse licensed ESCOs and compare supply rates, contract terms, and plan features. The NY PSC’s Power to Choose website and ElectricChoice.com both offer comparison tools.
- Select & Enroll: Choose a plan and sign up online or by phone. Your ESCO handles the switch notification to your utility.
- Start Saving: The switch completes within 1–2 billing cycles with zero service interruption.
Why NY Rates Are High (and Why Shopping Matters)
New York’s electricity costs are influenced by several factors, including constrained natural gas pipelines, aging urban infrastructure (particularly in New York City), high property and labor costs, the state’s ambitious clean energy mandates under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), and transmission congestion. While these structural costs affect all customers, the supply portion of your bill is shoppable, and given New York’s high rates, even modest savings can add up.
New York Electric Utility Territories
New York’s deregulated market is served by six major investor-owned utilities. Your utility determines the delivery charges on your bill and which ESCOs serve your area.
- Con Edison: New York City & Westchester. Serves approximately 3.5 million customers. Outage line: 800-752-6633.
- National Grid: Upstate NY (Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany). Serves approximately 1.6 million customers. Outage line: 800-642-4272.
- NYSEG: Central & Southern Tier. Serves approximately 900,000 customers. Outage line: 800-572-1131.
- RG&E: Rochester & Finger Lakes. Serves approximately 380,000 customers. Outage line: 800-743-1701.
- Central Hudson: Mid-Hudson Valley. Serves approximately 310,000 customers. Outage line: 800-527-2714.
- Orange & Rockland: Lower Hudson Valley. Serves approximately 230,000 customers. Outage line: 877-434-4100.
Types of New York Electricity Plans
- Fixed-Rate Plans: Your supply rate remains locked for the contract term, protecting against price fluctuations.
- Variable-Rate Plans: Your rate adjusts monthly based on NYISO wholesale market prices.
- Green Energy Plans: Support New York’s CLCPA goal of 70% renewable electricity by 2030.
- Short-Term Plans: Offer a minimal commitment, ideal for renters or those new to the state.
NY PSC Consumer Protection
The New York Public Service Commission requires all ESCOs to guarantee that their rates will not exceed the utility’s default supply rate for low-income customers. The PSC also mandates clear disclosure of all rates, fees, and contract terms. For complaints, contact the PSC at 800-342-3377.
New York’s Major Cities
All of New York’s major cities fall within deregulated utility territories, giving residents the ability to choose their electricity supplier.
- New York City: Con Edison
- Buffalo: National Grid
- Rochester: RG&E
- Yonkers: Con Edison
- Syracuse: National Grid
- Albany: National Grid
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Electricity
- Is New York a deregulated electricity state? Yes, since 1996.
- What is the average electricity rate in New York? 27.07¢/kWh for residential customers, as of March 2026.
- Why is New York electricity so expensive? Factors include infrastructure, natural gas constraints, and clean energy mandates.
- Who do I call for power outages in NY? Contact your utility directly.
As New York continues to pursue its ambitious clean energy goals, understanding your electricity options and shopping around for the best rates will be crucial for managing your energy costs.