New York Electricity Providers: How to Compare and Switch

Households can buy energy from an ESCO (energy services company). The utility still delivers it, and the supply price on the bill can be higher or lower than the utility default.

Your utility charges a default price for supply. In many New York utility areas that price is reset every month, so a fixed supplier price can look better or worse depending on the month you compare.

• What a supplier changes: the price and terms of the energy you buy, and often the company that sends the bill.
• What it does not change: your delivery utility, your meter, outage service and the poles and wires.

In 2025, 7.1% of New York homes bought from a retail supplier. Among the 15 choice markets on this site, that ranks 11th of 15 for the share of homes with a supplier. The average price was 26.39 cents per kWh, 53% above the US average, and the average bill was $154.75.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Form EIA-861 (final 2025 data), residential. A higher share of homes with a supplier does not mean lower prices.

Delivery utilities in New York are regulated, and the largest by residential customers in 2025 were:

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Form EIA-861 (final 2025 data). Cooperatives and municipal utilities may sit outside the choice program. Check who sends your bill.

Not sure who serves you? Use the find my electric company tool or check the top of your bill.

Compare against the utility supply charge over a full year, and read the contract for variable pricing language.

Ready to switch? Read the New York switching guide for the steps, the rules we checked and what to confirm first.

1. Find your current default price and the date it will next change.
2. Ask each supplier for the price, the type, the term, every fee and the early termination fee in writing.
3. Compare over a full year, not one month.
4. Check what happens when the term ends.

New York suppliers are called energy services companies, or ESCOs. An ESCO can offer a fixed or variable supply price, and some bundle services or renewable content. The utility still delivers the electricity and handles outages.

Compare an ESCO offer with the utility supply charge over twelve months, not one month, and ask for the cancellation terms in writing. State rules limit some ESCO sales practices, so keep your paperwork and know how to reach the state commission.

1. What is the price per kWh, and is it fixed or variable?
2. How long is the term, and what is the fee for leaving early?
3. Are there monthly charges, minimum usage fees or conditions on credits?
4. What happens when the term ends, and how will I be told?
5. How long do I have to cancel after signing?

Suppliers are licensed or registered with the state, and the New York State Public Service Commission handles complaints. Keep a copy of your contract and any call or email confirmation. If you think you were switched without permission, tell your utility and your regulator right away.