Deregulated Energy in New York: Compare Electricity, Internet & Home Services
New York State has had a deregulated energy market since 1996, making it one of the earliest states to give consumers the right to choose their electricity and natural gas supplier. With some of the highest electricity rates in the continental United States — particularly in the Con Edison territory covering New York City — New York deregulated energy shopping has some of the highest dollar-value savings potential of any state. Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) licensed by the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) compete to provide electricity and gas supply across multiple utility territories.
New York Energy Deregulation: Utility Territories
Con Edison (New York City and Westchester County)
Con Edison serves all five NYC boroughs and Westchester County — the highest-rate, highest-savings territory in New York. Con Edison customers paying the default supply rate in 2026 are likely paying 20–28 cents/kWh total. Choosing a licensed ESCO with a fixed supply rate below the Supplier Cost Component (SCC) delivers direct savings on the largest portion of an already high bill.
National Grid (Long Island, Upstate New York)
National Grid serves Long Island for both electric and gas in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and serves upstate New York (Albany, Syracuse, and surrounding areas) for electricity and gas. National Grid customers can shop licensed ESCO suppliers for both services. Long Island electricity rates are among the highest in the country after NYC.
NYSEG and RG&E (Upstate New York)
NYSEG (New York State Electric and Gas) serves Binghamton, Ithaca, Elmira, Poughkeepsie, and surrounding upstate areas. RG&E (Rochester Gas and Electric) serves Rochester and Monroe County. Both territories offer ESCO competition for electricity and gas supply, with rates lower than Con Edison but still meaningful savings opportunity from supplier shopping.
How to Switch Energy Suppliers in New York
- Identify your utility territory — Check your bill to confirm which utility delivers your electricity and gas.
- Find your utility’s current default supply rate — This is the rate you are beating. Check your utility’s website or your state’s public utility commission for the current default supply rate.
- Compare licensed supplier offers — Use a marketplace like Utility Search Marketplace to see current fixed-rate offers from licensed suppliers in your territory.
- Review contract terms carefully — Confirm the rate per kWh, contract term, early termination fee, and whether the rate is fixed for the full term or introductory.
- Enroll online in under 10 minutes — You will need your utility account number. No technician visit required. Service continues uninterrupted throughout the switch.
- Re-shop at contract expiration — Set a calendar reminder 60 days before your contract ends so you can compare rates before auto-renewal at a potentially higher rate.
Internet Providers in New York
New York City and the NYC metro have excellent internet infrastructure. Verizon Fios provides fiber internet across NYC boroughs, Long Island, and Westchester with symmetrical speeds and no data caps — one of the best internet services in the country. Optimum (Altice) provides cable and fiber coverage across NYC boroughs, Long Island, and Westchester. Spectrum serves upstate New York and some downstate markets. T-Mobile Home Internet is growing across New York State with a no-contract 5G option. Starlink serves rural upstate New York communities where cable and fiber are unavailable.
Home Security in New York: Vivint and ADT
Vivint and ADT both operate throughout New York State. In a high-cost energy market like New York — particularly in the Con Edison territory — the Vivint smart thermostat provides a meaningful consumption-reduction layer alongside a competitive ESCO supply rate. Together, these tools attack your energy bill from both sides: lower rate per kWh and lower kWh used.
New York Bundle Savings Estimate
- ⚡ Electricity: $15–$40/month electricity (higher in Con Ed territory)
- 🔥 Natural gas: $15–$30/month gas
- 🌐 Internet: $20–$40/month internet
- 🔐 Home security: $10–$25/month security
Frequently Asked Questions: New York Deregulated Energy
Can NYC apartment residents switch electricity suppliers?
Yes, if the electric account is in your name. Con Edison customers who receive their own electric bill can choose a licensed ESCO for the supply portion of their service. If electricity is included in your rent, the building owner controls the account.
What is the PSC-approved ESCO list?
The New York Public Service Commission maintains a list of all licensed ESCOs at psc.ny.gov. You can search by utility territory to find suppliers currently authorized to sell electricity or gas in your area. Always verify that an ESCO is on this list before enrolling.
How long does it take to switch energy suppliers in New York?
Enrollment with a new supplier takes under 10 minutes online. The actual switch processes through your utility within 1–2 billing cycles. Your electricity and gas service continue uninterrupted throughout — only the supply charge line on your bill changes when the new supplier takes effect.
Related New York Energy and Internet Guides
📖 Best Energy Suppliers in New York 2026
📖 Internet Choice in Deregulated Energy States: Complete 2026 Bundling Guide