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?
- Winter 2026–27 outlook (PSC, October 15, 2026): full-service residential electric supply bills are expected to be similar to last winter on a statewide average, and gas bills lower. Market-priced electric supply is forecast at about $74 a month for 600 kWh (+4.6%). See our October session summary.
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
Compare With Nearby States
Statewide average for context: the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) puts New York’s average residential price at 28.65¢/kWh in August 2026, up 7.5% from 26.64¢ in August 2025. The U.S. average was 18.16¢. At 1,000 kWh that works out to $286.50 (1,000 × 28.65¢). This is total residential revenue divided by kWh sold across every utility in the state, fixed charges included, and it is a preliminary estimate. It is not any one utility’s rate.
Rate rules stop at the state line, and often at the utility boundary. See our guides for Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, or the full rates by state list.
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
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (August 2026 data, released October 23, 2026)
- NY PSC, “Utilities Prepared to Meet Consumer Demand for Electricity and Natural Gas During Winter” (Oct. 15, 2026): https://dps.ny.gov/news/utilities-prepared-meet-consumer-demand-electricity-and-natural-gas-during-winter-1
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.
