New York’s electric grid is expected to have enough power to meet statewide demand this summer, according to a new report released by the New York State Public Service Commission.
State officials said the state’s electric system is prepared for increased summer demand thanks in part to adequate generating capacity, the expected start of operations for the Champlain Hudson Power Express transmission project later this month, and delays in the retirement of certain power plants.
Commission Chair Rory Christian said the outlook is positive for both residential and business customers as the state continues investing in energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, and transmission infrastructure.
The New York Independent System Operator forecasts peak electricity demand this summer at 31,578 megawatts, slightly below last summer’s peak usage of 31,857 megawatts. Statewide generating capacity for 2026 totals more than 38,000 megawatts, with additional demand-side resources boosting overall available capacity to more than 40,800 megawatts.
Despite the positive outlook, officials noted that capacity margins continue to narrow due to aging power plants, increasing electricity demand, electrification efforts, and the retirement or unexpected failure of some generators.
State officials said energy efficiency programs and distributed energy resources are expected to help offset future demand growth. By 2036, those programs are projected to reduce peak demand by about 5,000 megawatts — enough electricity to power roughly 5.7 million homes.
Utilities across the state also continue operating load relief programs that pay customers to reduce electricity use during periods of peak demand. More than 1,500 megawatts of demand reduction capacity are currently enrolled in those programs for 2026.
The commission said average residential electricity supply costs this summer are expected to rise slightly, with the average June-through-September supply bill projected at about $262, up roughly 1.5 percent from last year.
State officials also highlighted new consumer protections approved earlier this year that prohibit major investor-owned electric and water utilities from shutting off residential service for nonpayment during extreme heat events.
