May 15, 2026- NYSEG approved a temporary rate increase for NYSEG and RG&E while they work on a bigger plan for rates in the future.The average residential RG&E customer will see their bill go up by 2.9% for electric delivery and 1.2% for gas delivery. NYSEG customers will see rates go up by just 0.2% on the electric side of their bill and 1.7% for gas delivery. The rate increase starts June 1.

Energy costs for data centers in New York are paid by the data center operators themselves through their monthly utility bills and infrastructure investments. State regulators strictly enforce “beneficiary pays” rules, meaning these large facilities must cover the costs of grid upgrades they trigger so everyday consumers do not foot the bill

Governor Kathy Hochul is pushing to dramatically expand New York’s nuclear energy capacity to meet the surging power demands of AI data centers and advanced manufacturing, while shielding everyday residents from the resulting electricity costs.Hochul directed the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to build a zero-emission advanced nuclear plant in Upstate New York. She later expanded the state’s goals, calling for 5 gigawatts of new nuclear energy, which includes an additional 4-gigawatt target to support economic development.

The state has launched the NextGen Nuclear New York initiative, backed by tens of millions in annual funding for training. NYPA is also partnering with Ontario Power Generation to advance both large and small modular reactor technologies.

Outcry worked. NYSEG had requested a rate increase with the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) on June 30, 2025  to increase NYSEG delivery rates by 35% for electricity and 39.4% for natural gas which would have gone into effect on May 1, 2026. NYSEG last asked for a price increase in 2024 which took effect on May 1, 2025. This is in ADDITION to the price increases we are experiencing NOW.

What can we do?

  1. Post your comments on the NY Public Service Commission FACEBOOK-https://www.facebook.com/NYSPSC/
  2. File a complaint with the New York Public Service Commission (PSC ) online- https://www3.dps.ny.gov/ocs/itxgate.nsf/wdps_complaint.xsp
  3. Hochul has been highly critical of proposed electricity rate hikes so continue to support her efforts by going on the NY Public Service Commission facebook page and posting your comments.

Throughout 2025, Hochul has publicly and forcefully opposed significant rate increases sought by several utility companies in New York:

  • National Grid:After Hochul’s Department of Public Service (DPS) scrutinized the company’s rate case, the Public Service Commission (PSC) dramatically reduced National Grid’s initial rate request in August 2025.
  • NYSEG and RG&E:In July 2025, Hochul called on the DPS to scrutinize and protect consumers from “unacceptably high” rate hikes proposed by New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E).
  • New York Power Authority (NYPA):In February 2025, she demanded that NYPA suspend a proposed electric rate hike, stating that “Too many New Yorkers are already falling behind on their energy bills”.
  • Con Edison:She blasted a proposed Con Edison rate hike as “unconscionable” in February 2025 and directed the DPS to audit the company

Learn moreWhy does NYSEG want a price increase 2026– Why they want an increase, are they profitable, problem of past due bills.