Energy Deregulation in New York
Outdated equipment, spotty supply, greater demand, and outdated infrastructure caused New York to have some of the highest energy rates for residential and commercial customers in the county.
Because different companies had a monopoly in specific areas, this led to companies charging as much as people were willing to pay for power. At the same time, their services remained inadequate at best. The poor service and inefficient electricity grid were the cause of the rolling blackouts in the state in 1965.
This led the state residents to demand deregulation, and the first step to this was the state introduction of Independent Power Producers into the market in 1997. The IPPs produced and sold electricity, which helped take away the local utilities’ market power. Now, New York consumers have over 200 choices for electricity providers, each of whom may set its own default price.
In 1996, the New York Public Service Commission passed the Competitive Opportunities Case legislation. This opened up the residential energy markets to competition.
Thanks to this legislation, residents of New York can now enjoy their choice in which retailer to buy their energy. The legislation was also good for the utility companies as it forced them to upgrade their outdated systems to help keep up with the demands of the public. Since deregulation was implemented, the state of New York has generated over 1700 MW of renewable energy, which many consumers prefer.
Quick Facts About Energy Choice in New York
- NY First to Deregulate: New York was one of the first states in the US to deregulate their electricity and gas.
- Member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative:Ā As a member of the RGGI, New York and the other members are doing what they can to help reduce greenhouse gas emissionsĀ in their area of responsibility.
- Renewable energy: The state requires all utility providers to produce a portion of the energy they sell from renewable sources.
- Not required to mix fuel with renewable sources. Other states require their gasoline supply to be combined with a renewable fuel. New York does not impose this rule, and car owners are free to use whatever gasoline they want.
- Energy Efficiency standards. Newly built buildings and residential homes must meet the stateās energy efficiency standards to ensure that the new establishments will use power effectively and not waste a drop of it.
- Some of the highest energy rates in the country. The State of New York has one of the highest energy prices in the country. The state rates on energy are 58 percent higher compared to the countryās average.
Contact Energy Providers in New York
Con Edison
Con Edison Residents residing in Westchester County and New York City get their electricity and gas courtesy of Con Edison.
Address: 111 Broadway #1601, New York, NY 10006
Contact: 1-800-752-6633
The National Grid
The National Grid is responsible for providing residents of upstate New York with their gas and electricity needs. Itās one of the largest investor-owned power companies in the country, with over 20 million customers in New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. It also includes the utility company formerly known as Keyspan Gas.
Address: 2031 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10303
Contact: (718) 643-4050
Rochester Gas & Electric
RGE, better known as Rochester Gas & Electric, is the energy provider in Upstate New York.
Corporate Address: 89 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14649
Contact: (800) 743-2110
Orange & Rockland
Orange & Rockland supplies both gas and electric power to the northwestern suburbs of New York City.
Address: 390 W. Route 59, Spring Valley, NY
Contact: 1-877-434-4100
Central Hudson Gas & Electric
Central Hudson Gas & Electric provides energy services to the Mid-Hudson River Valley area in New York.
Address: 284 South Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Contact: (845) 452-2700
National Fuel Gas
National Fuel Gas is the company responsible for the gas supply in Western New York.
Address: 409 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14203
Or:
AppleTree Business Park
2875 Union Rd. Suite 44
Cheektowaga, NY 14227
Contact: (800) 365-3234
Map of US Energy Deregulation
New York is one of 26 US StatesĀ that have some form of energy deregulation whether it be electricity, natural gas or both. Use our interactive map to get more information on deregulated energy states in America.