Electricity in Albany
A guide to Albany's deregulated energy market, information about the local utility's basic electricity service and rates, and alternative electricity buying options for Albany residents and business owners.
- 1.Albany's energy market
- 2.Utility companies
- 3.Basic utility service & rates
- 4.Electricity deregulation
- 5.Utility vs. supplier
- 6.Shop electricity suppliers
- 7.Save money & support renewable energy
Albany's energy market
Albany is the capital of New York state with a population of nearly 100,000. It's notably one of America's top cities for higher education, boasting prestigious academies such as Albany Medical College, Albany Law School and Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, in addition to more than seven other colleges and universities. Albany's economy is heavily dependent on government, healthcare and education workers with a recently burgeoning technology sector. The city's architecture is a big draw to locals and visitors alike, highlighted by the collection of government buildings known as the Empire State Plaza, and its crown jewel, the New York State Capitol building. As one of Upstate New York' major metropolitan areas for residential, commercial and institutional activity, Albany's daytime population is estimated to be closer to 160,000. With all that electricity demand, it's crucial that Albany maintains a reliable energy grid.
Albany utility companies
Albany's main utility companies delivering electricity, gas and water are:
- Electricity: National Grid
- Gas: National Grid
- Water: Albany Water Department
About Albany basic utility electricity service & rates
For many Albany residents, you're on the local utility's basic service offering and receiving their basic service supply rate—or you may be receiving the Community Choice rate if available. But these offerings may not be the cheapest electricity rates out there, nor is the energy you're getting always backed by the greenest sources available.
Electricity deregulation in Albany
As an energy customer in Albany, you're not forced to pay your utility's basic service rate for electricity. Deregulation introduced a competitive electricity supplier marketplace where you can shop for a lower-priced plan or an eco-friendlier plan.
Utility company vs. electricity supplier
It's a common misconception that utility companies are handling every aspect of your electricity. In fact, third-party suppliers, as well as the part of the utility company responsible for default basic service, are both buying up electricity supply. Then the utility is the one delivering your electricity and billing you for it.
Shopping Albany's electricity supplier marketplace
Thanks to New York's energy deregulation, Albany residents aren't forced to pay the utility's basic service electricity rate. Shopping the electricity supplier marketplace is the best way to find savings or upgrade to cleaner energy. But the process can be time-consuming and confusing.
Supply rates go up and down and need your constant attention.
You have to compare tons of contracts and analyze fine print.
You have to watch out for misleading introductory rates and price hikes.
Switching your plan can be a headache: possibly waiting on hold or hustling with customer service.
Perch handles all of that for you. We're always looking out for you, your wallet, and the environment.
Save money on electricity, support renewable energy in Albany with Perch
Perch can help you find a cleaner electricity plan for your home or business, for less
We analyze your electric bill to understand your current costs.
You tell us your preferred energy preference; either a 100% clean plan backed by renewable sources, or a mixed plan backed by part renewables, part fossil fuels.
We monitor the supply marketplace to find you a lower rate than similar options in your area, based on your preference.
We regularly switch you to better plans when they become available in accordance with your agreement.
You won't notice any interruptions to your service—our automated matching technology seamlessly works behind the scenes.
You still just get one bill from your utility.
Perch can connect you with a local community solar project to support clean energy generation and lower your annual electricity costs
Perch will help you subscribe to a solar farm in your area (subject to eligibility and availability).
While you won't be receiving solar electricity directly to your home, you'll be supporting the addition of more solar power to the overall energy mix on the grid—fighting climate change by lessening your city's reliance on dirty, harmful fossil fuels.
In exchange for supporting operations of that solar farm, you'll receive a discount on your electricity bill in the form of credits.
You're guaranteed to see annual savings on your electricity cost thanks to the credits.