This memo was contributed to by Evergreen Collaborative and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
Background
Energy is too expensive for New Yorkers, with costs increasing by over 50% in fewer than 10 years. Our broken system puts utility profits over consumers, and the federal government is making things worse by trying to block clean energy projects that would reduce electricity prices and protect consumers from volatile fuel costs. Artificial intelligence data centers will soon drive up power demand and costs even more if action isn’t taken.
But New York can cut annual electricity and gas utility bills by at least $341 a year per household by 2030 with these five key policy interventions. Savings are calculated for households with gas and electric service and are compared to the status quo. These policies include: requiring data centers to bring their own new clean energy, expanding customer-owned power sources like rooftop solar and batteries, right-sizing monopoly utility profits, reducing gas pipeline replacement costs, and avoiding major new gas system investments.
Mar 10, 2026
Lower Electric Bills State policy actions could save households in New York State at least $341 per year compared to the status quo, according to a new report from Synapse Energy Economics
Lower Energy Costs Customers would see electricity and gas bill savings as soon as 2027, with upstate customers saving $341 a year by 2030, and downstate customers saving $431
New York Affordability Playbook
Overview
Read time:
How New York Can Unlock Savings
Additional Policies That Could Lower Costs
Allow LIPA to finance energy efficiency: Allowing Long Island electric utility LIPA to amortize energy efficiency and electrification investments as other utilities do, would reduce these customers’ bills by $27 a year.
Replace outdated electric resistance heating with heat pumps: Switching customers who still rely on expensive electric resistance heating to modern heat pumps would save these customers $2,214 a year, and reduce power bills statewide.
Expanding energy efficiency programs for low and moderate-income customers: Investing in efficiency through EmPower+ and the Weatherization Assistance Program can reduce energy bills for low- and moderate-income households by up to $613 a year.
About the Contributors to this Memo
Author – Evergreen Collaborative
Evergreen is leading the fight to put bold climate action at the top of America’s agenda. We’re building the ambitious, actionable policy roadmap for an all-out mobilization to defeat climate change—and to create millions of jobs in a thriving, just, and inclusive clean energy future.
Author – Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
NRDC is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law, and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health, and safeguard nature.
