New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) unanimously approved the three-year price increase plan for electricity and gas users in the Upstate New York region by National Grid on August 14, starting from September 2025 to 2027, affecting approximately 2.4 million users.
According to the data released by the PSC, for users with an average monthly electricity usage of 625 kilowatt-hours, their bills will increase by around $14.32 in the first year, followed by an additional $6.44 in the second year, and a further $4.34 in the third year. For gas users with an average monthly usage of 78 therms, their bills will increase by $7.66, $8.08, and $9.18 over the three years, respectively.
Overall, there will be a cumulative increase of about 20% over the three years, with National Grid electricity and gas customers expected to spend an average of $264 more per year on their bills.
In a statement, National Grid mentioned that the price hike is primarily aimed at upgrading aging infrastructure and meeting the growing energy demands. The company’s spokesperson, Patrick Stella, highlighted the urgent need to upgrade and maintain many power lines that have been in use for over 60 to 70 years. At the same time, with electricity demand continuing to rise, adjustments to the system are necessary to ensure stable supply.
Some state legislators have expressed dissatisfaction with the price increase decision. State Senator Joseph Griffo criticized the move, stating that it would place more economic pressure on New Yorkers and slammed the governor’s criticism of the commission as “self-contradictory” since most of the commission members are appointed or reappointed by the governor.
“What New Yorkers need are policies that truly alleviate burdens, not empty words,” Griffo remarked.