Freshness note: This analysis was last updated 31 days ago. Fast-moving policy claims can change quickly, so check for newer official updates before relying on this verdict.
“New Yorkers pay 49% more than the national average for electricity”
Summary
New York electricity rates have consistently ranked among the highest in the United States, with residential rates significantly above the national average. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows New York's residential electricity prices have ranged from approximately 40% to 70% higher than the national average in recent years, with the specific percentage varying by time period and rate measurement method. The 49% figure falls within the observed range but represents a specific snapshot rather than a constant differential.
Primary Sources
Federal government source providing monthly electricity price data by state, including residential, commercial, and industrial rates
Interactive database containing historical electricity price data for all states
Fact-check examining the claim about New York electricity costs being 49% higher than national average
State agency data on New York energy costs and pricing trends
Evidence Supporting the Claim
- U.S. Energy Information Administration data consistently shows New York residential electricity rates ranking in the top 10 highest states nationally
- Historical EIA data indicates New York residential rates have exceeded the national average by percentages ranging from approximately 40% to 70% depending on the measurement period
- New York's average residential electricity price has been documented at levels supporting a differential in the range of 49% during certain time periods
Evidence Against / Context
- The specific percentage differential between New York and national average electricity rates fluctuates monthly and annually, making any single percentage figure a snapshot rather than a constant
- The claim does not specify whether it refers to residential, commercial, or industrial rates, which have different price structures and differentials
- The claim does not specify the time period for the comparison, and electricity rate differentials vary by season and year
- Different measurement methods (cents per kilowatt-hour vs. average monthly bills) can yield different percentage comparisons
Timeline
Tom O'Mara made the claim about New York electricity costs being 49% higher than the national average
PolitiFact published fact-check examining the 49% claim
Period for which recent electricity rate comparisons are available from U.S. Energy Information Administration data
What This Means
Structured interpretation — not opinion
Key takeaway 1
New York electricity rates are demonstrably higher than the national average, though the precise percentage varies by time period and measurement method
Key takeaway 2
A claim of 49% higher costs falls within the documented range of differentials between New York and national average electricity prices
Key takeaway 3
The accuracy of the specific 49% figure depends on the time period referenced, the type of electricity rate measured (residential vs. commercial vs. industrial), and the calculation method used
Key takeaway 4
Electricity rate comparisons require specification of time period and rate type to evaluate precision, though the general pattern of New York having significantly higher-than-average rates is well-established
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