Albany, New York

National Grid Rates in Albany

National Grid provides electricity service to Albany and the surrounding New York area. The local climate significantly impacts energy costs throughout the year.

12.5¢/kWh

Electricity Rates in Albany

12.5¢/kWh

Average residential rate

The average Albany residential customer pays approximately 12.5¢ per kilowatt-hour. Your actual rate depends on your specific rate plan, usage tier, and time of use.

National Grid Rate Plans in Albany

Albany residents can choose from several National Grid rate plans. Your optimal choice depends on when you use electricity and your household's usage patterns.
PlanBase RatePeak HoursBest For
Standard Residential0.1651N/ACustomers with consistent energy usage patterns.
Voluntary Time-of-Use (VTOU)N/AOn-Peak: 7am-11pm, Super-Peak: 2pm-6pm (June-August)Customers who can shift their electricity usage to off-peak hours (11pm-7am), especially those with electric vehicles.
Budget PlanN/AN/ACustomers who prefer predictable monthly payments to avoid seasonal bill spikes.

Which plan is right for you?

Standard Residential: Customers with consistent energy usage patterns.

Voluntary Time-of-Use (VTOU): Customers who can shift their electricity usage to off-peak hours (11pm-7am), especially those with electric vehicles.

Budget Plan: Customers who prefer predictable monthly payments to avoid seasonal bill spikes.

Compared to Rochester (17¢/kWh), Albany residents pay approximately 4.5¢/kWh less on average.

*Rates shown are approximate and subject to change. Verify current rates at nationalgridus.com.*

What to Expect on Your Albany Electric Bill

Albany's climate significantly impacts energy costs throughout the year.

Seasonal Patterns

SeasonTypical Bill RangePrimary Driver
Summer (Jun-Aug)$150-$300Air conditioning
Winter (Dec-Feb)$80-$180Heating
Spring/Fall$70-$120Baseline usage

Albany-Specific Factors

Harsh Winters and High Heating Demand: Albany's cold and snowy winters lead to significantly higher energy consumption for heating, which is a major driver of high electricity and gas bills. Older housing stock in many neighborhoods often has poor insulation, exacerbating this issue.
Aging Infrastructure and Grid Modernization: Much of the energy infrastructure in the region is decades old and requires ongoing maintenance and upgrades to ensure reliability and safety. The costs of these modernization projects are passed on to customers through delivery charges.
New York's Clean Energy Initiatives: New York State has ambitious goals to transition to a clean energy grid. This requires substantial investment in renewable energy sources, energy storage, and transmission upgrades, the costs of which are partially recovered through electricity rates.

Summer bills in Albany can reach $300, while residents in Rochester typically see summer peaks around $250.

*Bill estimates based on average Albany household usage of 1,100 kWh/month.*

Energy Tips for Albany Residents

Local insights to help manage your National Grid bill

    Bill Assistance Programs in Albany

    If you're struggling to pay your National Grid bill, these programs may help

    Albany & County Programs

    • Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): A federal grant program that helps income-eligible New York residents pay for heating and cooling costs.| Albany County Department of Social Services
    • Energy Affordability Program (EAP): Provides a monthly discount on electric and/or gas bills for income-eligible customers.| National Grid
    • Care & Share: A program funded by National Grid employees and customers to help those in need pay their energy bills.| The Salvation Army
    • Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Helps low-income households reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy-efficient.| Albany Community Action Partnership (ACAP)

    How to Apply

    1. Contact National Grid customer service
    2. Gather required documentation (proof of income, ID)
    3. Complete the application form
    4. Submit and wait for approval

    Albany Rate History

    National Grid rates in Albany have changed over the past several years:

    Recent Changes

    Recent rate adjustments have been approved by the state utility commission.

    National Grid Service Area in Albany

    National Grid serves Albany and surrounding areas in New York.

    Counties Served:

      Neighborhoods Served:

      TroySchenectadySaratoga SpringsCohoesWatervliet

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Common questions about National Grid service in Albany, New York — including current rates, billing, outage reporting, and how to verify your bill is accurate.

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      Disclaimer: This tool provides a rough estimate based on typical residential rates. It does not account for fixed charges, demand charges, time-of-use pricing, taxes, fees, or other bill components. Results are for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. We cannot determine billing accuracy without reviewing your full bill.

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      Customer Service

      1-800-642-4272

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