Building a Realistic Energy Future for New York
New York has set some of the nation’s most ambitious climate goals. That vision is important, but while we work toward a cleaner future, families and businesses are paying the price for an energy system that does not meet today's needs.
New Yorkers already pay far more for energy than the rest of the country. In May 2025, residential electricity prices were 53% higher than the national average, and natural gas prices were 22% higher.
These higher costs are largely driven by state policy choices and infrastructure challenges, not utility companies. At the same time, demand is rising rapidly as more buildings, vehicles, and appliances move to electric power.
The current state plan relies heavily on wind and solar to increase energy supply. Those investments are vital, but most projects are still years or even decades away from going online. New Yorkers cannot afford to wait that long.
To achieve climate goals and keep energy affordable, we need a balanced, “all-of-the-above” strategy. That means continuing to build renewables while also expanding established, reliable sources like natural gas and nuclear energy, and improving transmission so clean power actually reaches homes.
Governor Hochul’s proposals — including a new nuclear facility and two natural gas pipelines — are practical, expert-backed solutions that can lower costs, strengthen reliability, and keep New York on track.
By the Numbers
53%
Higher NY Residential Electricity Prices
EIA, May 2025
6 in 10
New York Homes Already Powered by Natural Gas
U.S. EIA, January 2025
1 Million
Homes Powered by Proposed Nuclear Plant
Gov. Hochul, July 2025
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These clean sources are vital but depend on favorable weather and take time to build. Until more capacity becomes operational, reliable power from sources like nuclear and gas is essential to avoid outages and control costs.
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Yes. Natural gas emits less pollution than oil or coal and already powers a majority of homes in New York. It supports the transition by keeping energy affordable and reliable while renewables scale up.
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Rates are set by the Public Service Commission, and the main drivers are state clean-energy mandates, grid upgrades, environmental factors, and fuel costs. Utilities are closely regulated, and most increases reflect policy and system costs, not company decisions.
Albany Times-Union: Why are utility bills rising across New York
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Governor Hochul is advancing a new 1-gigawatt nuclear plant — enough to power one million homes — and considering two critical pipeline projects to serve peak demand areas such as New York City and Long Island.
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