TL;DR: In New York, there are four main electricity companies that provide transmission and distribution: Con Edison, National Grid, New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG), and Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E). Thanks to energy deregulation in New York, you can choose your own energy supplier like City Power and Gas – to potentially lower your electricity rates while keeping the same reliable delivery service. Smart savings programs like Con Edison’s Smart Energy Plan, time-of-use pricing, demand response rewards, and programs like EmPower+ can knock serious dollars off your monthly bills. Green energy options backed by Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) let you support renewable energy without changing how you get power. With rates averaging 27.07¢/kWh – 50% above the national average, New Yorkers have a strong incentive to shop for competitive rates from licensed ESCOs (Energy Service Companies).
So, who are the top electricity providers in New York, and how can they help you save money? The short answer: your savings hinge on two things – which utility company services your area, and which energy supplier you choose. The electricity market in New York is deregulated. While you can’t choose your utility company, you can choose the company that supplies your electricity, which sometimes gives you room to save on your electric bills. Your utility – Con Edison, National Grid, NYSEG, or RG&E – handles the wires, poles, and substations. Your energy supplier, like City Power and Gas – Electric and Gas Company in New York, handles the supply side, and that’s the part of your bill you can actually shop around for.
Let’s be real, electricity rates in New York are some of the highest in the country. In November 2025, the average residential electricity price in New York was 26.49 cents per kilowatt-hour, ranking 8th highest in the U.S. and exceeding the national average by 49 percent. That stings. But it also means that even a small percentage drop in your supply rate can add up to real money over a year.
This guide breaks down the major electricity providers, how energy deregulation in New York works, the best smart savings programs, green energy options, and practical tips to cut your power bill – all while pointing you toward tools and plans from City Power and Gas that can make the switch painless.
How Energy Deregulation in New York Works
Here’s the thing most people don’t realize: you’re already assigned a utility company based on where you live. You can’t change that. But you do get to pick who supplies the actual electricity and natural gas flowing to your home.
New York deregulated its electricity market in 1996, giving all residential and commercial customers the power to choose their electricity supplier. That means licensed Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) – like City Power and Gas – can offer you different energy rates, plan types, and even green energy options.
Your utility determines the delivery charges on your bill and which ESCOs serve your area. Delivery charges stay the same regardless of which ESCO you choose. So switching suppliers doesn’t change your utility, doesn’t interrupt your power, and doesn’t require any new equipment. The switch completes within 1-2 billing cycles with zero service interruption. Your utility continues to deliver power. Only the supply charge on your bill changes.
Since our launch in 2010, City Power & Gas have always striven to deliver the best possible rates and service for our customers. As a licensed ESCO operating across New York, City Power and Gas – Electric Company in New York, offers both fixed and variable rate plans for electricity and natural gas, giving you the flexibility to pick what works for your budget.
Major Electricity Providers in New York
Let’s walk through the main utility companies that handle power delivery across the state. Think of these as the highways your electricity travels on, no matter who supplies it.
Con Edison (ConEd)
The largest utility in the state, serving approximately 3.5 million electric customers across all five NYC boroughs and most of Westchester County. Con Edison is one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the United States, serving more than nine million people. Founded in 1823, the company provides electric, natural gas, and steam service and operates as a regulated utility under the oversight of the New York State Public Service Commission.
Con Edison offers notable programs like the Smart Energy Plan (a time-of-use billing structure), Smart Usage Rewards (a demand response program), and a range of rebates for energy-efficient equipment. Con Ed territory has the highest delivery charges in the state due to dense urban infrastructure.
On the rate front: The state Public Service Commission on Thursday approved increases for Con Ed customers in New York, amounting to increases of about 9% for electric and about 6% for gas over three years. A typical New York City resident will pay an average of approximately $4 more per month for their electricity bill in 2026, $3.55 in 2027 and $3.58 in 2028.
Those steady increases are exactly why so many New Yorkers are shopping for a better supply rate through ESCOs like City Power and Gas.
National Grid
Serves approximately 1.6 million electric customers across upstate New York, including the Buffalo, Syracuse, and Capital District (Albany) metro areas. National Grid is also a major natural gas company in New York, running a large portion of the gas distribution in the state. In New York City, Con Edison owns and controls the gas distribution system in Manhattan, the Bronx, and parts of Northern Queens. National Grid owns and operates the rest of the city’s system.
National Grid has been steadily investing in renewable energy and grid improvements, and it participates in several state-backed energy efficiency programs.
NYSEG (New York State Electric and Gas)
NYSEG serves a wide region of upstate New York, delivering both electricity and natural gas to rural and suburban areas. The company has been part of the state’s push toward clean energy, supporting programs that help customers cut their energy use and take advantage of smart meter data to better manage their bills.
Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E)
RG&E covers the greater Rochester area with electric and gas service. Like NYSEG, it’s part of the Avangrid family of utilities and offers competitive rates alongside programs that promote energy savings. Both NYSEG and RG&E are actively working to align with New York’s clean energy goals.
Orange and Rockland Utilities
Serving the lower Hudson Valley and parts of northern New Jersey, Orange and Rockland is another option for consumers in those specific regions, with its own set of rate plans and efficiency programs.
Why Compare Energy Rates in NY?
The numbers tell the story. As of March 2026, the cost of electricity in New York City, NY is 31 cents/kilowatt-hour (kWh) – roughly 50% higher than the national average cost. Statewide, as of March 2026, the cost of electricity in New York is 21 cents/kilowatt-hour (kWh) – roughly 2% higher than the national average cost.
That gap between NYC and the rest of the state is worth noting. Where you live shapes your baseline costs, but your choice of energy supplier can chip away at the supply portion of your bill, which is the shoppable part.
While these structural costs affect all customers, the supply portion of your bill is shoppable – and given NY’s high rates, even modest percentage savings translate to meaningful dollar amounts.
City Power and Gas makes this process simple. Shopping around for a new energy rate doesn’t have to be confusing or time-consuming, get a free energy quote for any of our renewable electricity, natural gas or combination packages – all you need is your zip code! Whether you’re looking for a fixed-rate plan for price stability or a variable plan that tracks the market, comparing what’s out there is the first step to cutting your electric and gas bill.
Smart Savings Programs You Should Know About
This is where the real savings pile up. Beyond picking the right energy supplier, tapping into utility-run programs can lower what you owe each month.
Con Edison’s Smart Energy Plan
Your Smart Energy Plan is a new billing plan comprising two delivery charges for energy use during peak and off-peak hours. During peak hours, delivery charges are higher.
The idea is simple: if you can shift when you run heavy appliances, you pay less. You can benefit and save money from using energy wisely by making changes like staggering energy use (especially during peak hours) so large electric devices (like a dishwasher or clothes washer) will run at separate times instead of all at once, or by shifting your energy use of those appliances to off-peak hours.
On the Smart Energy Plan, your savings can add up over time in two ways: stagger when you use large electric devices so they don’t run all at once, especially during peak hours. Shift your energy use to off-peak hours to save more.
Smart Usage Rewards (Demand Response)
Reduce your energy usage and earn rewards. This demand response program from Con Edison pays you for cutting back during peak demand periods, mainly hot summer days. The only requirements to participate are a Con Edison electric account and a smart meter, which most customers have.
For businesses, the payoff can be more substantial. Through the electric Smart Usage Program, participants earn up to $18,000 a year for every 100 kW (kilowatts) the participant pledges to reduce.
EmPower+ Program
Funding toward the cost of energy efficiency improvements, including air sealing, insulation, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and electrical service and wiring upgrades. The program is open to income-eligible owners and renters of one- to four-family households.
For low-income New Yorkers, this is a major resource. Tier 1 households (at or below 60% Area Median Income) can receive up to $14,000 in covered energy upgrades. Tier 3 households (60-80% AMI) can receive up to $7,000 in covered energy upgrades.
With $120 million allocated for 2026 and strong IRA backing, the program has more capacity than at any previous point. That said, NYSERDA funding can be limited, and assistance isn’t guaranteed. Apply early if you think you qualify.
Con Edison Rebates and Incentives
Con Edison offers rebates in 2026 for smart thermostats (up to $85), ENERGY STAR appliances, EV chargers, heat pump systems, and demand response programs that pay cash per season. Con Edison customers in New York City and Westchester County can access a stack of rebates and incentive programs in 2026 that together could offset hundreds or even thousands of dollars on energy-efficient upgrades. Most of these programs are under-enrolled – meaning Con Edison is actively trying to give this money away and not enough customers know about it.
Green Energy Options in New York
New York’s climate goals are among the most ambitious in the country. Enshrined into law through the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, New York is on a path to achieve its mandated goal of a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030.
What does this mean for you? More green energy plans are coming onto the market – and many are priced closer to traditional plans than you might expect.
Green energy plans are supported 100% by Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) that are purchased and retired in an amount sufficient to match your annual consumption. RECs are a tradeable, non-tangible energy commodity in the United States that represents proof that 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity was generated from an eligible renewable energy resource like biomass, hydro, solar or wind.
As we believe strongly in doing right for the planet we share, we are proud to source our power from electric generation facilities which use renewable energy as their primary source of fuel. City Power and Gas – Natural Gas Company in New York, offers both 100% and 50% renewable energy plans, so you can go green without blowing your budget.
Approximately 26% of electricity on the utility grid in New York comes from renewable sources, and 20% comes from nuclear sources. But, 54% still comes from natural gas. That’s why individual action, like choosing a green energy plan, matters. You’re directly supporting the demand for wind, solar, and hydro power on the grid.
How to Choose the Right Energy Supplier
Part of you might think all energy plans look the same. They don’t. Here’s what to watch for.
Fixed vs. Variable Rate Plans
City Power and Gas offers both fixed and variable plans. A fixed rate product may be higher or lower than utility rates, but, unlike utility rates, a fixed rate product will not change during the life of your contract. That gives you bill stability. A variable rate plan allows you to purchase gas at market-based prices that change from month to month. While a variable rate is subject to monthly price increases or decreases, it may help you realize the lowest possible cost in the market. However, it also exposes you to possible price increases.
City Power and Gas offers competitively priced 3, 6, 9 and 12-month fixed rate plans for customers who are looking for price protection and competitive variable rate pricing for customers seeking the lowest energy rate at a given point in time.
Read the Fine Print
This part matters more than most people think. Look for:
- Early termination fees
- Auto-renewal clauses that might lock you into higher rates
- Any monthly service charges on top of the per-kWh rate
City Power and Gas does not surprise our customers with hidden fees. Our rates and fees are outlined and explained in the Terms and Conditions that accompany each service plan.
Don’t Settle on the First Offer
Check multiple suppliers. Compare the full per-kWh rate, the term length, and whether the plan includes green energy or other perks. 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.
Switching Is Easier Than You Think
Not at all. Switching will not affect your local utility. They will continue to deliver your electricity, read your meter and provide you with emergency customer service and bill you every month just like they always have.
Signing up with City Power and Gas is fast, easy, and hassle-free. Enter your zip code on the City Power and Gas website, compare plans, and sign up. Your new supplier handles the rest – they’ll even notify your utility on your behalf.
Lesser-Known Tips to Cut Your Energy Bill
Beyond programs and plans, small daily habits can make a noticeable dent in your electricity and natural gas bills.
Use Natural Light: Keep blinds open during the day. On south-facing windows, open the shades in winter to let sunlight warm your rooms, reducing the need for heating.
Smart Power Strips: These cut power to electronics that draw energy even when turned off – the so-called phantom load. Unplug chargers when they’re not in use, too.
Maintain Your Heating System: Clear space around heating vents, change furnace filters on schedule, and insulate hot-water pipes and warm-air ducts to stop heat from escaping before it reaches your living areas.
Adjust Water Habits: Showers use roughly half the hot water of a bath. Cold-water laundry cycles save a surprising amount, since about 90% of the energy in a wash cycle goes toward heating the water.
Run Full Loads: Whether it’s the dishwasher, washer, or dryer, running full loads maximizes the energy spent per cycle. Clean your dryer’s lint filter after every use to keep it running at peak performance.
Tweak Your TV Settings: Most televisions ship with brightness cranked up for showroom displays. Dialing it down to a more natural level cuts energy use without affecting your viewing experience.
What Makes City Power and Gas Different?
With so many electricity providers and gas companies in New York, it’s fair to ask why you’d choose City Power and Gas.
Our core management team has over 50 years combined experience and expertise, which allows us to strengthen our commitment to providing competitive energy plans, protecting your right to choose with our 90-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.
No hidden fees, no surprises. Our energy plans are designed with transparency in mind. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly rates or renewable options, you’ll find a plan that fits your needs with clear billing and no extra costs.
We’re more than just an energy provider – we’re part of your community. We support local initiatives and environmental causes that matter. When you choose City Power and Gas, you’re supporting a company that cares about the future of New York.
City Power and Gas currently offer natural gas and/or electricity service in more than 10 combination utility markets in the state of New York and for the Public Service Enterprise Group (PSE&G) utility area in New Jersey.
Key Takeaways
- New York’s energy market is deregulated. You can choose your energy supplier without changing your utility. Delivery service stays the same.
- Electricity rates in New York are among the highest in the nation. Average rates hover around 21-27 cents/kWh statewide and hit 31 cents/kWh in NYC. Shopping for supply rates is one of the best ways to save.
- Con Edison, National Grid, NYSEG, and RG&E are the four major utilities handling power delivery. They maintain the grid. Your supplier handles the supply charge.
- Smart savings programs like Con Edison’s Smart Energy Plan, Smart Usage Rewards, and EmPower+ offer real ways to cut costs through time-of-use pricing, demand response rewards, and free home energy upgrades.
- Green energy plans backed by RECs are increasingly affordable and let you support wind, solar, and hydro without disrupting your service.
- City Power and Gas offers competitive fixed and variable energy plans, green energy options, transparent billing, and a 90-Day Satisfaction Guarantee across more than 10 utility markets in New York.
- Switching energy suppliers is free, fast, and causes zero disruption to your electric or gas service.
- Con Edison rate hikes approved for 2026-2028 make it more important than ever to compare your options and lock in a competitive supply rate.
- Lesser-known efficiency tips – like smart power strips, cold-water laundry, and maintaining heating systems – can trim your bill alongside a better energy plan.
- Always read the fine print. Check for termination fees, auto-renewal clauses, and hidden charges before signing any energy contract.
FAQs
1. Can I choose my electricity provider in New York?
Yes. New York’s deregulated electricity market lets you pick your energy supplier (ESCO) while your assigned utility continues to handle delivery. City Power and Gas is one such licensed electricity company in NY that offers competitive supply rates.
2. Will switching energy suppliers affect my power delivery or cause outages?
No. Your local utility company still handles all delivery, meter readings, and emergency services. The only change is the supply charge on your bill.
3. What’s the average electricity rate in New York in 2026?
As of March 2026, the cost of electricity in New York is 21 cents/kilowatt-hour (kWh) – roughly 2% higher than the national average cost. In New York City specifically, rates are closer to 31 cents/kWh.
4. What is an ESCO, and how is it different from a utility company?
An ESCO (Energy Service Company) is a licensed supplier that sells you electricity and/or natural gas at competitive rates. Your utility company owns and maintains the delivery infrastructure. City Power and Gas is an ESCO that serves New York and New Jersey.
5. Does City Power and Gas offer green energy plans?
Yes. City Power and Gas offers flexible energy plans, including 100% and 50% renewable options. These plans are backed by Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).
6. What is Con Edison’s Smart Energy Plan?
It’s a billing plan consisting of two delivery charges for energy use during peak and off-peak hours. During peak hours, delivery charges are higher. Shift your usage to off-peak times and you save.
7. How does the EmPower+ program help low-income New Yorkers?
EmPower+ provides funding toward the cost of energy efficiency improvements, including air sealing, insulation, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and electrical service and wiring upgrades. The program is open to income-eligible owners and renters of one- to four-family households.
8. What types of energy plans does City Power and Gas offer?
City Power and Gas offers competitively priced 3, 6, 9 and 12-month fixed rate plans for customers who are looking for price protection and competitive variable rate pricing for customers seeking the lowest energy rate at a given point in time.
9. Are there hidden fees when I switch to a new energy supplier?
It depends on the supplier. City Power and Gas does not surprise our customers with hidden fees. Our rates and fees are outlined and explained in the Terms and Conditions that accompany each service plan. Always review the full contract terms before you sign up with any provider.
10. How much can I actually save by switching electric companies in New York?
Savings depend on your current rate, usage, and the plan you choose. Many New Yorkers save 10 to 30 percent a year when they pick the right plan and watch fees and terms. With rates rising due to approved utility hikes, locking in a competitive supply rate now with a provider like City Power and Gas can protect your budget.