Electricity Rates in New York (2026)
National average: 16.72¢/kWh · Source: EIA, January 2026
New York's Rates Vary Dramatically by Region
The state average of 22.87 cents/kWh masks enormous regional variation. New York City and Long Island (served by Con Edison and PSEG-LI) pay 25-35 cents/kWh, while upstate New York (served by National Grid, NYSEG, and others) pays 15-20 cents/kWh. The downstate premium reflects high distribution costs in a dense urban environment, expensive underground infrastructure, and higher demand.
New York Is Betting Big on Offshore Wind and Clean Energy
New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act requires 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and zero-emission electricity by 2040. The state is contracting for massive offshore wind farms (Sunrise Wind, Empire Wind) and investing in solar, battery storage, and transmission upgrades. These investments will reshape New York's energy landscape but will add to rates in the near term.
Calculate Any Appliance Cost in New York
Most Expensive Appliances to Run in New York
Monthly costs at 22.87¢/kWh using typical wattage and hours:
| Appliance | Watts | Hrs/Day | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tankless Water Heater | 27000W | 1h | $185.25 |
| Electric Furnace | 10000W | 8h | $548.88 |
| Electric Car Charger (Level 2) | 7200W | 4h | $197.6 |
| Hot Tub | 6000W | 4h | $164.66 |
| Clothes Dryer | 5000W | 1h | $34.31 |
| Electric Water Heater | 4500W | 3h | $92.62 |
| Garage Workshop Heater | 4000W | 4h | $109.78 |
| Central Air Conditioner | 3500W | 8h | $192.11 |
| Electric Oven | 2500W | 1h | $17.15 |
| Dishwasher | 1800W | 1h | $12.35 |
| Hair Dryer | 1800W | 0.15h | $1.85 |
| Electric Pressure Washer | 1800W | 0.5h | $6.17 |
| Space Heater | 1500W | 8h | $82.33 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | 1500W | 8h | $82.33 |
| Infrared Heater | 1500W | 6h | $61.75 |
Tips for Reducing Your Electricity Bill in New York
- New York allows retail electricity choice statewide. Compare rates on your utility's website or the PSC's Power to Choose site.
- NYSERDA (nyserda.ny.gov) offers extensive incentives for heat pumps, insulation, solar, and EV charging. Their programs are among the most generous in the nation.
- If you live in New York City, Con Edison's rates are among the highest in the country. Every efficiency improvement (LED bulbs, smart thermostat, efficient appliances) saves more here than almost anywhere else.
- Upstate New York benefits from hydroelectric power (Niagara Falls and St. Lawrence) which keeps wholesale costs lower than downstate.
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Electricity
Downstate New York (NYC, Long Island, Westchester) has some of the highest rates in the country due to expensive underground distribution infrastructure, high land and labor costs, congested transmission, and dense urban demand. Upstate New York has lower rates thanks to hydroelectric generation and less expensive infrastructure. The state average blends these very different markets.
Statewide average is about $140-$175 per month, but this varies dramatically. A Manhattan apartment might pay $80-$120 (small space, gas heating) while a suburban Long Island home might pay $200-$350 (larger home, central AC, electric heat). Upstate homes typically pay $100-$150.
Compare Neighboring Rates
See how New York compares to other states in the Mid-Atlantic region:
Delaware
15.24¢/kWh
District of Columbia
15.87¢/kWh
Maryland
16.12¢/kWh
New Jersey
18.76¢/kWh
Pennsylvania
16.87¢/kWh
Electricity rate data sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), average residential retail price, last updated January 2026. Your actual rate depends on your utility, plan, and usage tier. See our full disclaimer.