National Grid provides electricity service to Buffalo and the surrounding New York area. The local climate significantly impacts energy costs throughout the year.
12.5¢/kWh
Average residential rate
The average Buffalo residential customer pays approximately 12.5¢ per kilowatt-hour. Your actual rate depends on your specific rate plan, usage tier, and time of use.
| Plan | Base Rate | Peak Hours | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Residential Rate (SC-1) | 0.17 | N/A | Customers who prefer a predictable rate and do not want to worry about when they use electricity. |
| Voluntary Time-of-Use Rate (SC-1 VTOU) | Varies | 2 PM to 7 PM on weekdays | Customers who can shift their electricity usage to off-peak hours, such as those with electric vehicles. |
| Budget Plan | N/A | N/A | Customers who want to pay a predictable amount each month, based on their average annual usage. |
Standard Residential Rate (SC-1): Customers who prefer a predictable rate and do not want to worry about when they use electricity.
Voluntary Time-of-Use Rate (SC-1 VTOU): Customers who can shift their electricity usage to off-peak hours, such as those with electric vehicles.
Budget Plan: Customers who want to pay a predictable amount each month, based on their average annual usage.
Compared to Rochester (17¢/kWh), Buffalo residents pay approximately 4.5¢/kWh less on average.
*Rates shown are approximate and subject to change. Verify current rates at nationalgridus.com.*
Buffalo's climate significantly impacts energy costs throughout the year.
| Season | Typical Bill Range | Primary Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | $150-$300 | Air conditioning |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | $80-$180 | Heating |
| Spring/Fall | $70-$120 | Baseline usage |
Summer bills in Buffalo can reach $300, while residents in Rochester typically see summer peaks around $250.
*Bill estimates based on average Buffalo household usage of 1,100 kWh/month.*
National Grid rates in Buffalo have changed over the past several years:
Recent rate adjustments have been approved by the state utility commission.
National Grid serves Buffalo and surrounding areas in New York.
Common questions about National Grid service in Buffalo, New York — including current rates, billing, outage reporting, and how to verify your bill is accurate.
No upload required. Enter two numbers from your bill to see if it falls within typical ranges.
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This quick check helps you understand if your bill stands out from typical ranges. It cannot determine accuracy without a full bill review.
The "Total Amount Due" on your bill
Usually labeled "Total kWh" or "Usage"
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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