The average residential electricity rate in New York (NY) is $0.2120 per kWh as of April 2026, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). This is well above the national average of $0.1805/kWh, ranking New York #40 out of 51 (all 50 states plus Washington DC), where #1 is the cheapest and #51 is the most expensive. The average New York household consumes 651 kWh per month, resulting in a monthly electric bill of approximately $138 and annual electricity costs of about $1,656.
New York City rates are nearly double upstate rates. The state generates 25% from nuclear and Niagara Falls hydroelectric.
This comprehensive guide covers New York electricity rates, historical trends, utility providers, bill calculation, solar savings potential, and actionable tips to reduce your electric bill. All rate data is sourced from the US EIA and updated monthly. Use our electricity cost calculator for personalized estimates.
New York residential electricity rates have increased 17% over the past six years. The table below shows the trajectory compared against the national average.
| Year | New York ($/kWh) | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $0.1818 | $0.1322 | +38% |
| 2022 | $0.1980 | $0.1492 | +33% |
| 2024 | $0.2050 | $0.1680 | +22% |
| Apr 2026 | $0.2120 | $0.1805 | +17% |
New York has a deregulated electricity market. The primary delivery utilities are: Con Edison, National Grid, NYSEG (Avangrid), Central Hudson, PSEG Long Island.
New York generates electricity from: Natural gas 40%, Nuclear 26%, Hydroelectric 18%, Wind 6%, Solar 5%, Other 5%.
Your monthly electric bill = kWh Used × Rate per kWh. The average New York household uses 651 kWh/month.
New York is deregulated. Con Edison customers in NYC pay the highest rates (28-32 cents). Upstate utilities are 15-20 cents. NY-Sun and VDER offer excellent solar incentives.
Universal strategies: adjust thermostat 2-3 degrees (saves 5-10% on HVAC), switch to LEDs (see our LED savings calculator), unplug phantom loads (saves $100-200/year), and run major appliances during off-peak hours if your utility offers time-of-use pricing. For larger investments, consider a heat pump, better insulation, or a smart thermostat.
New York receives 3.8 peak sun hours/day. A 6 kW system produces ~6,824 kWh/year, saving ~$1,447/year. With the 30% federal ITC, payback is typically 4-6 years. Use our solar panel calculator and solar ROI calculator for personalized estimates.
| State | Rate ($/kWh) | Avg Bill | Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York (NY) | $0.2120 | $138 | Deregulated |
| Connecticut (CT) | $0.2550 | $199 | Deregulated |
| Massachusetts (MA) | $0.3151 | $177 | Deregulated |
| New Jersey (NJ) | $0.1830 | $129 | Deregulated |
| Pennsylvania (PA) | $0.1698 | $137 | Deregulated |
| Vermont (VT) | $0.2198 | $116 | Regulated |
Data source: US Energy Information Administration (EIA), Electric Power Monthly, April 2026. Rates shown are average residential rates and may differ from your specific utility tariff. Solar estimates assume a 6 kW system with 82% efficiency factor. Always verify current rates with your utility provider.