🗽 Cheapest electricity hours in New York today
See New York City's current wholesale electricity price and the cheapest available hours today.
When is electricity cheapest in New York?
New York's wholesale electricity market is run by NYISO (the New York Independent System Operator), which splits the state into pricing zones. This page shows Zone J, covering New York City — usually the most expensive zone on the grid.
New York City tends to have the highest prices in the state because it has the highest demand while also facing limited transmission capacity to bring in cheaper power from upstate, including hydroelectric generation from sources like Niagara. This means the same hour of the day can have a noticeably different price in NYC than in upstate zones.
Prices tend to be lowest overnight, when statewide demand is low. Summer heat waves are the opposite extreme: sharply higher air conditioning demand strains transmission into the city and forces the grid to call on more expensive backup generation, which can push wholesale prices up significantly.
The price shown here is the NYISO wholesale market price, not your retail rate. Most residential customers are on fixed or utility-set rates from providers like Con Edison or National Grid, which include delivery charges, taxes, and other fees on top of the wholesale energy cost.
Frequently asked questions
Why is electricity more expensive in New York City than upstate?
New York's grid is split into pricing zones by NYISO. New York City (Zone J) is usually the most expensive zone because it has the highest demand and limited transmission capacity to bring in cheaper power, including hydroelectric generation from upstate. Upstate zones, closer to hydro and other generation, are typically cheaper.
When is electricity cheapest in New York?
Prices tend to be lowest overnight, when demand is low across the state. Periods of strong hydroelectric output, particularly from upstate sources like Niagara, can also help push prices down.
Is this the same price as my electricity bill?
No. This is the NYISO wholesale market price for a specific zone. Most residential customers are on fixed or utility-set rates from providers like Con Edison or National Grid, which include delivery charges, taxes, and other fees on top of the wholesale energy cost.
Why does electricity get so expensive in New York during summer heat waves?
Summer heat waves push air conditioning demand sharply higher across the state, especially in New York City, straining transmission capacity into the city and forcing the grid to call on more expensive backup generation — both factors that can push wholesale prices up significantly.
Explore other markets
Live wholesale electricity data via Elecz. CheapestHours is an independent electricity timing tool. About & methodology · Privacy Policy · Contact