FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBANY, N.Y. — New York’s average residential electricity price reached 29.90 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in July 2026, the fifth highest in the nation and 63.3 percent above the U.S. average. The state’s price rose 14 percent from July 2025, nearly three times the national year-over-year increase of 4.9 percent.
A household using 800 kWh per month saw estimated electricity expenditures rise to $2,722 during the past 12 months. That was $270 more than during the prior 12-month period.
“The so-called $200 energy rebate check does not even cover the electricity price increase,” said Zilvinas Silenas, President of the Empire Center for Public Policy. “Also, why is it called a rebate? This isn’t a situation where energy companies are refunding ratepayers. The state is merely taking $200 from people who pay taxes and giving it to people who pay electricity bills – largely the same people.”
The national average was 18.31 cents per kWh in July, leaving New York’s average residential electricity price 11.59 cents per kWh higher. Since July 2019, New York’s average residential electricity price has increased 60.4 percent, compared with 38.1 percent nationwide.
Only Hawaii, California, Maine and Massachusetts had higher average residential electricity prices than New York in July. Among the nation’s largest states, California was more expensive, while Florida and Texas remained substantially lower. New York’s price also exceeded neighboring New Jersey and Pennsylvania by 18.7 percent and 37.7 percent, respectively.
Read the Energy Data Bulletin for the complete state comparisons and historical trends.
Media contact:
Zilvinas Silenas
Empire Center for Public Policy
518.434.3100
[email protected]
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