Staff Report / April 16, 2026
New York residents are paying significantly more for electricity than most Americans, according to a newly released report highlighting rising energy costs across the state.
Data from the Empire Center for Public Policy, based on figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, shows that New York had the sixth-highest residential electricity prices in the nation as of early 2026.
The average residential rate reached approximately 28.4 cents per kilowatt-hour in January—about 11 cents higher than the national average. That places New York well above many neighboring states and most of the country.
The report also found that electricity prices in the state have been climbing steadily. Rates increased 3.6 percent from December to January and were up 12 percent compared to the same time last year.
Over a longer period, the trend is even more pronounced. Since 2019, electricity prices in New York have risen sharply and are now more than 60 percent higher than the national average. Researchers noted that this marks a reversal from earlier years, when the gap between New York and national prices had been narrowing.
Despite the high electricity costs, natural gas prices in New York have remained closer to national levels, though still above average.
State leaders and policy experts continue to debate the reasons behind the rising costs and how to address them. Proposals have included changes to energy laws, efforts to reduce utility fees, and broader plans aimed at improving grid reliability while controlling costs for consumers.
The findings underscore ongoing concerns about energy affordability for households across New York, as utility costs continue to outpace national trends.
