New York electric costs increase at nearly double the national average


High Voltage Maintenance Training Online

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 12 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$599
Coupon Price:
$499
Reserve Your Seat Today
New York's electricity costs - long among the nation's highest - have risen at a pace nearly twice the national average in the past year, according to a state Business Council study released recently.

The cost of electricity in the state grew by about 12 percent from March 2006 to March 2007, the council's Public Policy Institute reported. New York manufacturers paid the 12th highest rates in the country and New York residential rates are now 62 percent above the national average, according to the report.

"It's because of coal," said council spokesman Matthew Maguire. "New York state compared to the nation relies very heavily on natural gas for generation and relatively little on coal. In recent years the price of coal has been relatively stable and the price of natural gas has been going up."

The report comes as Gov. Eliot Spitzer and the Legislature seek to reduce energy costs for businesses and to create a fast-track approval system for new power plants to increase supply. A major sticking point, however, remains coal. Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno is pushing for the use of what he calls "clean coal," a reference to new technology that results in less polluting emissions than traditional coal-burning power plants.

But Spitzer isn't sold on the newer technology, especially as he works to cut the emissions that contribute to global warming. He is pushing technology cleaner than even new coal processes.

Related News

Renewable electricity powered California just shy of 100% for the first time in history

California Renewable Energy Record highlights near-100% clean power as CAISO reports solar, wind, and storage…
View more

Blood Nickel and Canada's Role in Global Mining Sustainability

Blood Nickel spotlights ethical sourcing in the EV supply chain, linking nickel mining to human…
View more

BC Hydro electricity demand down 10% amid COVID-19 pandemic

BC Hydro electricity demand decline reflects COVID-19 impacts across British Columbia, with reduced industrial load,…
View more

Senate Democrats push for passage of energy-related tax incentives

Senate Renewable Energy Tax Credits face Finance Committee scrutiny, with Democrats urging action on tax…
View more

Here's what we know about the mistaken Pickering nuclear alert one week later

Pickering Nuclear Alert Error prompts Ontario investigation into the Alert Ready emergency alert system, Pelmorex…
View more

US judge orders PG&E to use dividends to pay for efforts to reduce wildfire risks

PG&E dividend halt for wildfire mitigation directs cash from shareholders to tree clearing, wildfire risk…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Download the 2026 Electrical Training Catalog

Explore 50+ live, expert-led electrical training courses –

  • Interactive
  • Flexible
  • CEU-cerified