Electricity rates in New York

Can you choose your electricity provider in New York?

Yes. New York has retail electricity choice. Your local utility keeps delivering power and handling outages, but you can buy the electricity itself from a competitive supplier. That supply charge is usually more than half of an all-in bill, so it's where switching pays off.

If you've never shopped, you're likely on your utility's default rate, often shown on the bill as the "price to compare." Before switching, check whether the rate is fixed or variable, the contract length, any monthly fee and the early cancellation fee.

Main electric utilities in New York

Most New York homes are served by Con Edison, National Grid, NYSEG, RG&E, Central Hudson, Orange & Rockland and PSEG Long Island. Your utility's name and account number are near the top of your bill.

How to lower your electric bill in New York

• Compare fixed-rate supply plans. Households on the default rate often save 10–20% on the supply portion.
• Ask your utility about time-of-use pricing. Shifting laundry, dishwashing and EV charging to off-peak hours can cut 5–15%.
• Look at community solar. New York has community solar programs that credit your bill for a share of a local solar farm, often 5–15% savings with no rooftop panels.
• Tackle heating and cooling first. A smart thermostat and sealed air leaks usually save more than any other single change.
• Check for assistance programs. LIHEAP and utility discount programs can lower bills for eligible households.