New Statewide Poll: New Yorkers Overwhelmingly Say Electricity Costs Are “Out of Control,” Reject Utility Monopolies, and Strongly Support Competitive Energy Markets
Albany, NY – A new statewide survey reveals overwhelming, bipartisan concern about rising electricity costs, as well as strong support for maintaining and expanding New York’s competitive electricity market. Voters also place significant blame for rising costs on monopoly utility control of New York’s energy system. The poll shows that 71% of New Yorkers report their utility bills increased over the past year, half of which say they increased significantly, and 68% agree utility costs are “out of control.”
“New Yorkers are sending a clear message: affordability comes first,” said Gavin Donohue, President and CEO of Independent Power Producers of New York (IPPNY). “Voters understand that competition keeps prices down, while monopoly utility control of power generation drives costs up. This poll clearly demonstrates that New Yorkers want clean energy, but they also want affordable energy. By keeping markets competitive and removing unnecessary barriers to new infrastructure, we can achieve both.”
Affordability Dominates Voter Priorities
When asked what New York’s top energy priority should be, a majority (57% statewide) identified affordability, far outranking environmental goals or reliability. Support for affordability as the leading priority was consistent across all regions and political affiliations, including 63% Upstate, 59% in the suburbs, as well as 66% of Republicans, 54% of Independents, and 51% of Democrats.
Voters Reject Utility-Owned Energy Monopolies, Support Competition Generation
The survey shows strong support for New York’s competitive electricity system with:
- 65% of respondents supporting competitive electricity markets; and
- 79% indicating state policymakers should prioritize increasing competition in the state’s energy market, leading to more pricing options and a wider variety of energy choices.
- 70% are convinced that competitive electricity markets help keep prices lower and drive innovation, efficiency, and productivity, while monopolies are viewed as inefficient, resulting in bloat and increased costs for consumers.
A significant majority of voters believe that utility monopolies contribute to higher electricity prices. Notably, 42% identified monopoly utilities as having the greatest influence on energy costs, exceeding all other factors considered in the survey.
The poll revealed widespread utility dissatisfaction, as customers gave every major utility company in New York State a net-negative favorability rating. ConEd was rated at -7, while NYSEG, Central Hudson, National Grid, and RG&E received scores of -22, -29, -30, and -32 respectively, reflecting deep frustration with their services.
Support for Broad Energy Mix
Voters favor a practical “all of the above” energy strategy with a diversified portfolio of power generation resources:
- 71% view renewable energy favorably.
- 77% say they’d support new natural gas facilities if they reduced electricity costs.
- Two-to-one participants view nuclear energy favorably.
Taken together, the results show New Yorkers want clean energy, but not at the expense of affordability or through expanded utility-owned generation that limits competition.
The statewide survey of 801 likely 2026 general election voters was conducted February 23–26, 2026 by Mercury Public Affairs. The margin of error is ±3.5%. For the complete results of the survey, visit www.ippny.org.
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About IPPNY
IPPNY is New York’s trade association dedicated to representing the largest fleet of clean energy generation in New York State and companies involved in: the competitive power supply industry; the development of electric generating facilities; the generation, sale, and marketing of electric power; and natural gas transmission facilities. IPPNY Member companies produce the majority of New York's electricity, utilizing all sources, such as wind, solar, hydro, energy storage, natural gas, low sulfur oil, biomass, and nuclear. Furthermore, IPPNY’s Members have invested more than $10 billion in capital improvements at their facilities, have supported nearly 19,000 long-term jobs across the State, and pay approximately $1.5 billion in local property taxes annually.
