Molly Ayala
New York City's electricity is generated by a combination of natural gas, nuclear power, hydropower, and renewable sources such as solar, wind, and biomass. The city's electricity system, established over 135 years ago, serves approximately 8.3 million people and 250,000 businesses, accounting for about 1.4 percent of the United States' total electricity consumption. Con Edison is the dominant electric utility in the city, distributing power to all five boroughs. New York has committed to transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy, with goals of achieving 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85% below 1990 levels by 2050.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electricity Provider | Con Edison (dominant electric utility in the city) |
| Electricity Sources | Natural gas, hydropower, nuclear power, solar power, wind power, biomass |
| Electricity Prices | 24.736 cents per kilowatt-hour (higher than most states) |
| Electricity Consumption | $19 billion annually to power, heat, and cool the city |
| Electricity Demand | Serves 8.3 million people and 250,000 businesses (about 1.4% of US electricity) |
| Power Plants | 24 plants generate up to 9,600 MW of power (80% of NYC's peak demand) |
| Clean Energy Goals | 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040, 85% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050 |
| Power Grid | Established 135 years ago in Lower Manhattan |
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What You'll Learn
New York's electricity sources
New York City's electricity is generated by a mix of sources, including natural gas, nuclear power, hydroelectric power, and renewable sources like solar, wind, and biomass. The city's electricity system is highly interconnected and serves approximately 8.3 million people and 250,000 businesses, accounting for about 1.4 percent of the United States' total electricity consumption.
Natural gas is a significant source of electricity for New York City. In 2023, natural gas-fired power plants accounted for almost three-fifths of the state's generating capacity and provided 46% of the net generation, making it the largest source of electricity in the state. Natural gas fuels six of the state's ten largest power plants by capacity and five of the ten largest by annual generation.
Nuclear power also plays an important role in the city's electricity mix. In 2015, four nuclear plants accounted for about a third of the state's electricity production. However, the share of nuclear power has declined in recent years due to the closure of one of the state's nuclear power plants. As of 2023, the state's three remaining nuclear power plants have a generating capacity of around 3,300 megawatts, contributing about 22% of the state's electricity generation.
Hydroelectric power is another important source of electricity for New York City. The state is home to 180 hydroelectric facilities, which produced 19% of the state's electricity in 2015. New York was the third-largest hydropower producer in the nation in 2023, surpassing nuclear power in terms of generation.
Renewable sources like solar, wind, and biomass are also contributing an increasing share to the state's electricity generation. In 2023, solar, wind, and biomass provided about one-tenth of the state's total electricity generation. The amount of electricity generated from solar photovoltaic installations has increased substantially over the past decade, even surpassing the amount generated from biomass for the first time. Additionally, New York ranked tenth in the nation for electricity generated from biomass in 2023, with municipal solid waste facilities and landfill gas-fueled generators contributing to the state's biomass-generating capacity.
The city's electricity is distributed by Con Edison, the dominant electric utility in New York City. Con Edison's rates for the city are typically higher than the state average, reflecting the higher cost of electricity in the city compared to other parts of the state and the country.
New York City is taking ambitious actions to address climate change and transition to a clean energy system. The city has committed to transforming its fossil fuel-dependent electricity grid into one powered by 100% zero-emissions resources by 2040. This includes a commitment to 100% clean electricity for city government operations by 2025. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019 (CLCPA) further reinforces these goals, targeting an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
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The city's electricity providers
New York City's electricity is generated by a mix of sources, including natural gas, nuclear power, hydropower, wind, solar, biomass, and fossil fuels. The city's electricity providers are working to transition to cleaner energy sources and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) manages the state's power grid and facilitates the market for electricity generation and sales. NYISO reported that in 2022, electricity production in upstate New York was significantly cleaner than in downstate regions, including NYC, due to better access to hydropower and wind resources.
Natural gas is currently the most prominent source of electricity in New York State. In 2023, natural gas-fired power plants provided about 46% of the state's net electricity generation. Natural gas fuels six of the state's ten largest power plants by capacity and five of the ten largest by annual generation.
Nuclear power is another significant contributor to the state's electricity generation, although its share has declined in recent years due to the closure of one of the four nuclear power plants. The remaining three nuclear power plants have a combined generating capacity of about 3,300 megawatts, down from approximately 5,350 megawatts five years ago. In 2023, nuclear power accounted for almost 22% of the state's electricity production.
The state also has a considerable number of hydroelectric facilities, with 180 plants producing 19% of the state's electricity. Hydropower is a crucial component of clean power production, and New York was the third-largest hydropower producer in the nation in 2023, surpassing nuclear power in terms of generation.
New York City's electricity system is highly interconnected, serving 8.3 million people and 250,000 businesses. Twenty-four plants can generate up to 9,600 MW of power, exceeding the city's peak demand. Con Edison is the dominant electric utility in the city, distributing electricity to all five boroughs. The electricity rates in New York City are among the highest in the country, with Con Ed's rates just below those of Hawaii, the most expensive state.
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The cost of electricity
The high cost of energy in New York City is a concern for many residents, with some struggling to pay their energy bills. The city has been advocating for low-income utility customers, expanding access to the low-income program, limiting service terminations, and creating an emergency COVID relief subsidy.
New York City's electricity is generated by a mix of natural gas, nuclear power, hydroelectric power, and renewable sources such as solar, wind, and biomass. Natural gas-fired power plants accounted for almost three-fifths of the state's generating capacity and provided 46% of the state's electricity net generation in 2023. Nuclear power accounted for about a third of the state's electricity generation in 2015 but has declined since then due to the closure of one of the state's four nuclear power plants. Hydroelectric power and other renewable sources have been increasing, with solar, wind, and biomass providing about one-tenth of the state's electricity generation in 2023.
The city's electricity system is highly interconnected, with generation, transmission, and distribution as its three main elements. Twenty-four plants generate up to 9,600 MW of power, meeting more than 80% of New York City's peak demand. However, the city also imports cheaper electricity from Upstate New York and New Jersey, which satisfies about 50% of the city's needs.
New York State is taking ambitious action on climate change, committing to a transition to a clean, affordable, and resilient energy system. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019 (CLCPA) aims for 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040 and a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This transition will require many buildings to switch from fossil fuels to clean electricity for heating and hot water systems, which must be planned to ensure affordability for all residents.
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The transition to clean energy
New York City's electricity is generated by a mix of sources, including natural gas, nuclear power, hydropower, wind, solar, biomass, and fossil fuels. The city's electricity system is one of the oldest and most concentrated in the nation, with Thomas Edison developing the world's first electric generation and distribution system in New York City in the 1880s. Today, about 8.3 million people and 250,000 businesses rely on this electricity infrastructure, consuming approximately $19 billion worth of energy annually.
However, the city is facing challenges in its energy system, including high energy costs and the impacts of climate change. In recognition of these issues, New York is taking ambitious action to transition to a clean and resilient energy system. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019 (CLCPA) sets aggressive clean energy goals, committing to 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040 and a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
To achieve these targets, New York City will need to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and increase the use of renewable energy sources. This transition must be carefully planned to ensure affordability for all residents, especially those with low incomes. The city has already taken steps in this direction, such as expanding access to low-income energy programs and advocating for utility bill discounts.
Additionally, the city will need to address the inefficiencies in its power grid. The current system, established nearly 135 years ago in Lower Manhattan, was not designed with efficiency in mind. A major overhaul is needed to create a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure. This includes improving transmission lines and increasing energy efficiency, particularly during peak usage times.
New York City's transition to clean energy is well underway, with a focus on addressing climate change, creating a fairer and healthier city, and achieving carbon neutrality. By 2030, the state aims for half of its electricity consumption to come from renewable sources, with a mix of local generation and imports from neighbouring regions. This ambitious goal will require continued efforts and investments in clean energy infrastructure and technologies.
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The future of the city's energy
New York City's energy future is focused on transitioning to a clean, affordable, and resilient energy system. The city has committed to transforming its fossil fuel-dependent electricity grid into one powered by zero-emission resources by 2040. This commitment is in line with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019 (CLCPA), which aims for 100% zero-emission electricity statewide by 2040 and a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
To achieve these goals, New York City is taking several measures. Firstly, the city is working to increase the generation of renewable energy from sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower. By 2030, New York State aims to have 10,000 megawatts (MW) of distributed solar energy and 9,000 MW of offshore wind energy by 2035, which will power up to 6 million homes. The city is also investing in energy storage solutions, such as batteries, to ensure a reliable and resilient grid as more intermittent renewable resources come online.
Secondly, New York City is addressing the high energy costs that burden many residents. The city has successfully advocated for low-income residents, expanding access to assistance programs, limiting service terminations, and providing emergency relief subsidies during the COVID pandemic. These efforts are crucial to ensuring that the transition to clean energy is equitable and accessible to all New Yorkers.
Thirdly, the city is actively engaged with the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), which operates the state's power grid. NYISO oversees transmission and provides a market platform for generators to sell electricity. New York City advocates for transmission projects and market design changes that expedite the transition to clean energy while ensuring reliability.
Lastly, the city is committed to reducing its reliance on fossil fuels for heating and hot water systems. Many buildings will need to switch to clean electricity alternatives, and the city is planning this transition to ensure affordability for all residents.
Overall, New York City's energy future is focused on creating a sustainable, resilient, and equitable energy system. By transitioning to zero-emission resources, improving grid resilience, addressing energy costs, and reducing fossil fuel dependence, the city aims to achieve its ambitious climate goals while improving the health and well-being of its residents.
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Frequently asked questions
Con Edison is the dominant electric utility in New York City, distributing electricity to all five boroughs.
In 2023, natural gas-fired power plants provided 46% of New York State's electricity net generation. Other sources include hydropower, nuclear power, solar power, wind power, and biomass.
New Yorkers consume approximately $19 billion worth of energy annually to power, heat, and cool their city. New York City uses about the same amount of electricity as the entire state of Massachusetts but only has 1/35 of the space.
In October 2017, New York State had the seventh-highest residential prices for electricity in the United States, at 18.28 cents per kilowatt-hour. Con Ed’s rates for New York City were 24.736 cents per kilowatt-hour, just below Hawaii’s, which was the most expensive in the country at 27.54 cents.
