The future of energy prices is uncertain, so residents of the Empire State are seeking clean power to become independent of the grid. It lowers a household’s carbon footprint while leading to financial savings. Transitioning to greener sources is one of the best ways to fight the climate crisis and rising cost-of-living expenses, as everything from groceries to water gets more expensive. Where can you buy affordable renewable energy plans in New York?
What Is Considered Cost-Effective in New York?
Recent surveys of New Yorkers demonstrated the state’s complex feelings about renewable power, especially in a chaotic energy market. Here are some of the most revealing facts from the study:
- Four in 10 say the climate is hurting people.
- 67% say renewable energy will spur economic development.
- 47% support reducing fossil fuels even if it comes at a cost.
- 80% want a multipurpose goal of lower energy costs while considering the climate.
While these sentiments are present, three in 10 would still choose the cheaper option regardless of the energy source’s environmental impact. The state could convince 45% more people if the price difference is small. Ultimately, the numbers show that New Yorkers need clean power at affordable prices, especially since people are paying $500 a month in electricity for a one-bedroom apartment, with rates on the rise.
The average monthly power bill for New Yorkers across energy sources is around $130.81, which implies that cost-effective green electricity must be comparable to convince the majority of citizens to adopt it.
Where Can You Buy Affordable Renewable Energy Plans in New York?
Households and businesses alike should use government incentives, rebates and credits to get the most out of their investment. Here are the companies with the best chance of supporting low utility bills while allowing you to reduce carbon emissions.
1. Northeastern Power
With its values of innovation, sustainability and integration, Northeastern Power is one of the state’s most prominent names in expensive clean energy. It supports households and industries, focusing on customizing solutions for specific applications to yield savings. It offers several renewable generators at four pricing structures — fixed terms, variable market billing, index pricing and personalized structures.
Northeastern promotes money-saving solutions with its products, offering microgrid setups, demand response installation and energy storage. It helps customers use every watt without waste while potentially earning money back in the process.
The company is driven to help as many people as possible, so it is looking to scale into other areas to normalize cost-effective, sustainable electricity. The team’s ability to offer attentive solutions is only possible because of its reputation for quality customer service.
2. Dandelion Energy
Dandelion Energy is located in Mount Kisco and is one of the biggest names in geothermal power in New York. Its staff is dedicated to spreading the word about its viability in the state, as it remains an underrepresented part of the energy mix.
Given geothermal’ typical costs, Dandelion is affordable if you want to go this route. The team relays every stackable incentive you can use to make it as cheap as possible. What sets it apart is its transparency in its pricing structure. It includes permitting and various indoor and outdoor expenses.
It is also an innovator. The company uses a proprietary heat pump that claims to be one of the most efficient in the nation. It has an impact, even outside New York, since Dandelion has installed more ground loops in the country than any other competitor.
3. Central Hudson Energy
Central Hudson has been serving New York since 1900, making it one of the most experienced energy leaders. Over the years, it has offered many utilities, with renewable energy being one of the most up-and-coming offerings. Its primary generators are solar and geothermal.
It has committed to developing the state’s infrastructure, putting billions of dollars into its development. The assistance will help its sustainable energy assets scale. It installs electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, community-distributed energy assets and smart tools. Sustainable power can become more common as it reinforces and upgrades the grid.
If you are already with Central Hudson and relying on fossil fuels, you can choose your electricity source through Energy Choice. It gives New Yorkers the freedom to pick where their power comes from, and Central Hudson maintains delivery.
4. Brooklyn Solar Works
Brooklyn Solar Works has some of the most awards and accolades in the New York solar market, despite only getting started in 2015. The Better Business Bureau, Forbes Home, Solar Power World and the REC Group certify it as a top-tier contractor and panel provider.
Curious customers immediately notice the promise of cheaper electricity. Its team helps you save 75% or more on solar with $0 down. The affordability has led to over 2,000 installations to date. Its contractors are known for their awareness of regional and city codes, providing attentiveness to local regulations.
Brooklyn Solar Works promises you will save money and increase your home’s value with its numerous educational resources. Even the most beginner customers can get foundational knowledge about all things solar from the site before speaking with a helpful professional.
5. O’Connell Electric Co.
O’Connell Electric Co.’s participation in the renewable market started in the 1980s, though it has been in the energy business for much longer. It was one of the key players in scaling the Robert Moses Niagara hydroelectric plant, but it has expanded to provide unique energy compositions for any provider.
It provides energy from solar, wind and hydroelectric power. However, it also promotes waste-to-energy solutions by converting gases released by landfills into power, which is called landfill-gas-to-energy (LFGTE) technology. Its service areas include Albany, Buffalo, Syracuse and surrounding areas in upstate New York with some of the most inventive commercially available green power in the state.
6. Perch Energy
Perch Energy is not a typical utility provider — its team will connect your existing company with a community solar project. It acts like a discount program. Because you took the time to sign up, you get the reward of cheaper, greener power.
The effort can transform a previously fossil fuel-based household into one investing in clean power for your community. Customers avoid dealing with a complete utility change but gain the benefits of decarbonization and lower monthly bills.
The website offers a helpful cost estimate sliding tool, which shows how much your monthly electricity bill could go down because of Perch’s services. There is no cost to join a community solar service, which is its most glowing benefit. It is a great option for those who cannot afford to purchase or lease solar panels. If you move, you can transfer the contract to a new residence.
7. Proven Energy Systems
Proven Energy Systems is located in St. Lawrence County in Hammond, New York. It specializes in ground-source heat pumps, providing free estimates for commercial and residential customers.
Its resources provide helpful insight into what geothermal installation entails, giving shoppers essential context as they research their financing options. The company posts system images and videos of its projects so you can see your investment before signing a contract.
The contractors also specialize in grid-tied and off-grid solar, alongside backup battery power solutions for additional energy resilience.
Providers at a Glance
These are the types of energy sources and primary qualities of each company.
| Company | Energy Source(s) and Products | Top Attribute |
| Northeastern Power | Solar, wind, fuel cells, energy storage | Strong community and governance values with customized financial support |
| Dandelion Energy | Geothermal heating and cooling | Commitment to geothermal advocacy in the state government |
| Central Hudson Energy | Solar, geothermal, EV installations | Extensive familiarity with New York, with over a century of experience in energy development |
| Brooklyn Solar Works | Solar | Focus on mastering knowledge of local and regional regulations for seamless installations |
| O’Connell Electric Co. | Wind, solar, hydroelectric, landfill-to-gas energy, EV installations | Invests in novel green power solutions with decades of work in scalable tech |
| Perch Energy | Solar | Avoids headaches around a complete provider switch by supporting community solar projects |
| Proven Energy Systems | Geothermal, solar, energy storage | Well-explained information resources about the science and installation details, without having to contact a professional |
Which Renewable Energy Type Is the Most Predominant in New York?
New York has many renewable options, depending on your preference, budget and location. The state includes parts of Lakes Erie and Ontario, as well as the Niagara River. They are powerful hydroelectric resources, with Niagara’s Robert Moses plant being one of the country’s top producers. It has a 2,500-megawatt capacity, which is one of the most impressive in the U.S.
These shorelines and the Atlantic coast are also advantageous for wind power, making this a viable option for eastern residents.
Solar is also available throughout the state, with small providers and independent companies taking care of installations. Rooftop arrays are the most common, and the combination of many small-scale systems contributes a great deal to the state. Several utility-scale providers are available, and New York even has small biomass production.
Geothermal is available in certain areas, but it is not a notable part of the power portfolio. It is a greater niche, and the upfront costs of installation are typically greater than those of other utilities.
How Much of New York Is Powered by Renewables?
In 2023, New York generated around one-third of its demand with renewables. The combination of wind, biomass and solar accounted for 10% of the state’s generation, and hydropower was over half the total clean energy produced. The state is the biggest producer of renewable power on the east side of the Mississippi River. It ranks fifth overall in the U.S.
The numbers reflect how widely available renewables are for many of New York’s residents. Output is steadily growing, with wind, solar and hydropower likely to continue dominating for years to come. Sustainable options have gotten cheaper over the years, and as options expand, prices should only become more competitive.
How Does New York Support Renewable Energy?
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is the leader of the state’s transition. It wants to achieve 70% electricity generation from renewables by 2030, with an emission-free grid by 2040. The work will open 50,000 new jobs for citizens, which is one of many ways it is encouraging clean power dissemination.
The metrics are only achievable because the state is supporting development with financial and legislative support. It is also engaging in collaborative projects with local governments, community organizations and others to make these assets sustainable for the long term.
These industrywide efforts are one piece of the puzzle. They are the reason disadvantaged communities are getting priority benefits for widespread climate equity. Collaborations are also lowering costs for development by embracing innovative technologies and changing siting policies to promote resilient infrastructure. Additionally, local supply chains and procurement are the backbone of continuous supplies and rollout stability.
The other component of renewable energy’s success in New York is incentives for residents. Affordability is one of the most important drivers behind the consumer decision to switch to a new utility. Therefore, governmental efforts need to reflect this. It is why there are many programs throughout the state, including:
- Solar tax credits.
- Energy storage funding and technical assistance.
- Support with the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Air source heat pump rebates.
- Incentives for combined heat and power systems.
- Remote net metering.
- Community solar projects for renters.
The state also has electric bill assistance programs, regardless of energy source. The Home Energy Assistance Program and Energy Affordability Program are a few resources for low-income households or those currently struggling to pay their bills.
The Future of Green Energy in New York State
Finding where you can buy affordable renewable energy plans in New York is straightforward when you contact one of these providers. Their priority is to promote clean power while making it affordable for constituents. It helps them spread the positive impact of renewables while increasing customer satisfaction compared to competitors. New York’s energy mix is becoming more diverse yearly, and you can take steps now to take advantage of it.