The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Department of Public Service (DPS) reported on their progress in 2025, focusing on providing affordable, clean, safe, and reliable utility services to residents and businesses across New York State. The agencies highlighted achievements in energy affordability, reliability, clean energy transition, business support, rate case outcomes, management audits, planning, enforcement actions, and public engagement.
“In New York, we are proud of our staff and Public Service Commission’s efforts to deliver reliable, affordable and clean utility services across the State, but we still have much work to do in 2026 to address affordability and reliability concerns while advancing our nation-leading clean energy agenda,” said Department CEO Rory M. Christian. “Our energy bills are higher than we’d like, but we are below the national average. Our carbon emissions must continue to decline to address the climate crisis, but we have among the lowest emissions per capita of any state in the nation. Our systems are being strained by aged infrastructure, severe weather and unprecedented new energy demand, but we are home to one of the most reliable utilities in the country. Through collaboration, innovation and a steadfast focus on the public interest, we will address our challenges in 2026 head-on while maintaining New York’s leadership on affordability, sustainability and reliability.”
In 2025, the PSC expanded its Enhanced Energy Affordability Policy by increasing eligibility for discounts so that an additional 1.6 million households could keep their energy costs at or below six percent of household income. Dis-enrollments from this program were paused for a year due to uncertainties with federal funding for LIHEAP. Broadband providers were also required to offer service to low-income households for no more than $15 per month.
To improve system reliability and safety, DPS streamlined permitting processes for renewable projects through ORES (Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission), issuing permits totaling 1,025 megawatts—enough electricity for about 214,000 homes—and moved forward with construction on renewable energy facilities and transmission lines. Four natural gas utilities had long-term plans approved aimed at ensuring safe operations during a transition toward lower-carbon heating solutions aligned with state climate goals.
The PSC continued planning efforts supporting New York’s clean energy transition by approving funding for large-scale renewable generation and transmission projects as well as measures targeting reduced building emissions and increased solar deployment. The agency advanced its Coordinated Grid Planning Process designed to identify both generation capacity needs and transmission solutions; completion of this initial planning cycle is expected early next year.
Business support initiatives included launching POWER UP with Empire State Development—a $300 million program announced in Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State—to provide zero-interest loans and grants helping businesses prepare sites with sufficient electric capacity.
During 2025 rate cases involving four utilities, the Commission reduced requested increases by over $480 million.
Earlier this year saw initiation of a comprehensive audit into utility management compensation following Governor Hochul’s direction. This review seeks alignment between utility priorities such as affordability or safety with broader state objectives while responding directly to rising consumer costs; it follows previous directives including rejection of Con Edison’s proposed rate hike.
In December 2025, after more than a year-long review process assessing current systems through projected needs out to 2040, the State Energy Planning Board unanimously approved a new State Energy Plan. The plan aims at maintaining affordable supply while supporting economic growth and environmental health; it recognizes renewables as central but includes advanced nuclear technology alongside natural gas as necessary parts of meeting statewide demand over coming years.
Enforcement actions brought by DPS secured $14.3 million through settlements or penalties benefitting ratepayers; two ESCOs lost eligibility for business within New York due to consumer protection violations.
Public engagement increased significantly: over 900 orders were issued or rulings made; more than 32,000 written comments reviewed; refunds exceeding $21.5 million secured for customers filing complaints—nearly $9 million higher than all refunds granted during 2024; there were also 67 public statement hearings held plus outreach events engaging thousands statewide resulting in nearly $60 million from utility shareholders returned for ratepayer benefit.
