National Grid provides electricity service to Rochester and the surrounding New York area. The local climate significantly impacts energy costs throughout the year.
17¢/kWh
Average residential rate
The average Rochester residential customer pays approximately 17¢ per kilowatt-hour.
| Plan | Base Rate | Peak Hours | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Residential (R-1) | 0.17 | N/A | Customers with consistent energy usage throughout the day. |
| Voluntary Time-of-Use (VTOU) | Varies | 7am-11pm (on-peak), 2pm-6pm (super-peak, June-August) | Customers who can shift their energy usage to off-peak hours, especially those with electric vehicles. |
| Low Income (R-2) | Discounted | N/A | Income-eligible customers who need assistance with their energy bills. |
Standard Residential (R-1): Customers with consistent energy usage throughout the day.
Voluntary Time-of-Use (VTOU): Customers who can shift their energy usage to off-peak hours, especially those with electric vehicles.
Low Income (R-2): Income-eligible customers who need assistance with their energy bills.
Rochester rates are approximately 4.5¢/kWh higher than in Buffalo (12.5¢/kWh), which may be due to local infrastructure costs and demand patterns.
*Rates shown are approximate and subject to change. Verify current rates at https://www.nationalgrid.com.*
Rochester has cold, snowy winters and warm summers, leading to high heating demand in the winter and cooling demand in the summer.
| Season | Typical Bill Range | Primary Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | $150-$250 | Air conditioning |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | $200-$350 | Heating |
| Spring/Fall | $120-$200 | Baseline usage |
Summer bills in Rochester can reach $250, while residents in Buffalo typically see summer peaks around $300.
*Bill estimates based on average Rochester household usage of 600 kWh/month.*
National Grid rates in Rochester have changed over the past several years:
A three-year rate plan was approved in 2025, leading to a significant increase in delivery rates.
Rates are expected to continue to increase in the second and third years of the current rate plan.
Serves Rochester and surrounding areas.
Common questions about National Grid service in Rochester, 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.
Most utility bills are calculated correctly.
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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