No October 1, 2026 rate change had been announced for New York electric utilities as of September 29, 2026. The main 2026 story for upstate customers is temporary rates for NYSEG and RG&E that began June 1, with a final decision still pending.
Quick Summary
| Utility | Effective Date | Previous Rate | New Rate | Change | Customer Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYSEG (electric) | June 1, 2026 (temporary) | Prior delivery rates | Not listed in sources reviewed | Revenue +3.7% | Typical residential total bill about +0.2% |
| RG&E (electric) | June 1, 2026 (temporary) | Prior delivery rates | Not listed in sources reviewed | Revenue +4.0% | Typical residential total bill about +2.9% |
What Is Changing?
On May 14, 2026, the Public Service Commission (PSC) voted to set temporary rates for NYSEG and RG&E, effective June 1, 2026. The PSC said it granted only a fraction of what the utilities requested. The rates are temporary and will be reconciled against the final decision. The PSC also said an increase may ultimately be necessary when it makes that decision. NYSEG’s temporary electric increase is $52.572 million a year.
How Much Could Your Electric Bill Change?
The PSC’s estimates for typical residential customers are about 0.2% (NYSEG electric) and 2.9% (RG&E electric). The PSC directed the utilities to limit changes by service class so no customer sees a large jump. Because the rates are temporary, a later “true-up” could add or subtract from future bills. We did not find a dollar figure for a typical customer.
Which Customers Are Affected?
Customers in NYSEG and RG&E territory across upstate New York. Con Edison, National Grid, Central Hudson and Orange & Rockland customers are on separate rate plans. The PSC approved a multi-year Con Edison plan covering 2026 through 2028, with its 2026 recovery period starting in February. We did not verify dollar figures for those plans, and this article does not cover them in detail.
What This Means for Homeowners With Solar
Delivery charge increases raise the value of the electricity you avoid buying. A final decision could change delivery rates again. We found no change to solar compensation rules in the sources reviewed, so confirm your export credits with your utility.
What Homeowners Should Check on Their Electric Bill
- Delivery charges versus supply charges, which appear as separate lines.
- Any line labeled temporary rate or reconciliation.
- Whether you buy supply from an energy service company, which sets its own price.
What Happens Next?
The PSC is still reviewing the NYSEG and RG&E rate cases, and news coverage expected a final decision in the coming months. Any final action will include a public comment period. Check the PSC’s website for the docket.
Published: September 30, 2026 Last verified: September 29, 2026
Sources
- NY Department of Public Service, temporary rates (May 14, 2026): https://dps.ny.gov/news/commission-grants-only-fraction-nyseg-and-rge-rate-request-temporary-basis
- NYSEG electric temporary rate case summary: https://dps.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2026/05/nyseg-electric-temporary-rate-case-summary_0.pdf
- Con Edison rate case visual supplement: https://dps.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2026/01/con-edison-rate-case-visual-supplement-electric-gas_0.pdf
Fact-Check Before Publication
| Claim | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary rates effective June 1, 2026 | DPS release, May 14, 2026 | Verified |
| NYSEG electric revenue +3.7%; RG&E electric +4.0% | DPS release | Verified |
| NYSEG electric +$52.572 million | DPS NYSEG summary | Verified |
| Residential total bill: NYSEG electric +0.2% | DPS release | Verified |
| Residential total bill: RG&E electric +2.9% | DPS release text truncated in our copy; matches local news | Partly verified, re-check the full DPS text |
| Temporary rates subject to reconciliation; increase may ultimately be necessary | DPS release; DPS summary | Verified |
| Final decision timing and public comment | News coverage | NOT verified from PSC |
| Con Edison 2026-2028 plan, February 2026 start | DPS visual supplement | Verified in title and notes; dollar figures NOT captured |
| National Grid, Central Hudson, O&R | Not researched | NOT covered |
| Energy service company supply pricing | Not researched | NOT verified |
Frequently asked questions
Are New York electricity rates going up on October 1, 2026?
We found no official October 1, 2026 change. NYSEG and RG&E have been on temporary rates since June 1, 2026, and a final decision in their rate cases is still pending.
What are NYSEG and RG&E temporary rates?
They are interim rates the Public Service Commission set on May 14, 2026, effective June 1, while it finishes reviewing much larger rate requests. They are subject to reconciliation.
How much did the temporary rates raise bills?
The PSC estimated total residential bill increases of about 0.2% for NYSEG electric and 2.9% for RG&E electric. Actual changes vary by usage.