Compare Utility Providers in Albany, NY

Top 26 Electric Providers in Albany

Top 8 Natural Gas Providers in Albany

Top 8 Internet Providers in Albany

*Not all internet providers and speeds available in all areas.

Solar Providers in Albany

Water & Sewage Providers in Albany

Top 15 Trash and Recycling Providers in Albany

Utilities Summary for Albany, NY

Electric Companies:	26
Natural Gas Companies:	8
Water & Sewage Providers:	1
Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers:	15
Municipal Electricity:	No

Albany Utilities Made Simple: Electricity, Water, Gas & Internet Explained

Albany, the capital of New York State, offers a vibrant mix of historic charm and modern convenience. Located along the Hudson River, the city is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and thriving arts and education scene. Popular neighborhoods include Center Square for its walkability and nightlife, Pine Hills for a residential feel with access to the University at Albany, and the South End, which is undergoing revitalization and offers historic homes with character. Whether you’re moving into a high-rise downtown or a quiet residential street, getting your utilities set up is an essential part of feeling at home.

Electric Service

Electricity in Albany is primarily delivered by National Grid, which manages the grid infrastructure. However, thanks to New York’s deregulated energy market, you can choose your electricity supply company while National Grid still handles transmission and billing. National Grid’s mobile app lets you pay bills, report outages, and monitor usage.

Deregulated Market & Energy Supply Choices

In Albany’s deregulated market, you can choose your own Energy Services Company (ESCO) for electricity. These companies may offer fixed rates, renewable energy options, or other perks that National Grid’s default supply may not include.

Top Electric Suppliers

1. Eligo Energy
   Offers flexible fixed-rate and renewable plans with no enrollment fees. Great for budget-conscious customers who want predictability.
2. CleanChoice Energy
   100% clean energy from wind and solar sources. Focused on sustainability and supporting renewable infrastructure.
3. Verde Energy
   Known for offering 100% renewable energy and competitive pricing. They often promote no-contract, cancel-anytime plans.
4. Green Mountain Energy
   A veteran in renewable energy with options for carbon offsets and solar support. Strong sustainability mission and consumer-friendly tools.

Tips for Choosing a Provider

• Compare fixed vs. variable rates.
• Look for early termination fees.
• Consider green energy options if sustainability is a priority.
• Read customer reviews on support and billing practices.

Energy Conservation & Sustainability Programs

National Grid offers Home Energy Audits and Home Energy Reports that can help identify areas for energy savings. Their Energy Saving Programs provide incentives for efficient lighting, heating systems, and insulation upgrades.

Rebate Highlights from National Grid

National Grid provides generous rebates and incentives for energy-saving home upgrades through its Energy Efficiency Program for New York residential customers. These are available for both electric-only, gas-only, and dual-fuel homes. Rebates are typically available for homeowners, landlords, and tenants (with landlord permission), and they often cover a significant portion of the project cost.

Air Source Heat Pumps (Ducted or Ductless):

• Mini-Split Heat Pump (≥ SEER 18 / HSPF 10): Up to $1,000 per outdoor unit
• Whole-Home Heat Pump (NYS Clean Heat Eligible): Rebates start at $2,000 and can exceed $10,000 depending on size and existing heating type

Central AC and HVAC Upgrades:

• Central Air Conditioning (SEER ≥ 16): Up to $200
• Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM) for Furnace Fan: Up to $100

Lighting and Appliances (Smaller Rebates)

• ENERGY STAR® LED Light Bulbs: Discounts are typically applied at point of sale at local hardware or grocery stores.
• Smart Power Strips: Offered at a discount or free through mail-in programs.
• ENERGY STAR® Dehumidifiers: Rebate of $30–$50
• Electric Clothes Dryers (ENERGY STAR® models): Up to $50

Weatherization & Insulation

Home insulation improvements are heavily incentivized and help improve comfort while reducing bills:

• Attic or Wall Insulation: Up to $1.50/sq. ft. in rebates (total varies by project)
• Air Sealing: Often fully covered as part of bundled efficiency upgrades

These rebates are even higher for income-eligible households under EmPower New York or the Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program.

Appliance Recycling Program

National Grid will pick up and recycle your old, working fridge or freezer and give you $50 for it. You can also add a room air conditioner for an additional $10 rebate when picked up at the same time.

Natural Gas Service

Natural gas delivery in Albany is also handled by National Grid, but like electricity, you can shop for suppliers thanks to deregulation. National Grid ensures safety and reliability, while supply pricing and green options come from your chosen provider. You can manage your gas account through the same National Grid app used for electric.

Deregulated Market & Energy Supply Choices

You can choose from several ESCOs that supply natural gas, offering varying rates and some renewable options such as renewable natural gas (RNG) blends.

Top Natural Gas Suppliers

1. American Power & Gas
   Known for affordable variable rate plans and monthly perks like rebates or loyalty rewards.
2. Alpha Gas & Electric
   Offers green gas plans with carbon offsets and competitive fixed-rate plans.
3. Agway Energy Services
   Provides energy supply and a bonus service program that covers appliance repairs, which is a nice perk for homeowners.

Tips for Choosing a Provider

• Look for customer service responsiveness.
• Understand contract terms and any bonus offers.
• Consider green gas or carbon offset options if sustainability is important.

Rebates & Efficiency from National Grid

For Albany homes using natural gas for heating or hot water, rebates are available for high-efficiency equipment:

Heating Systems

• Furnace (AFUE ≥ 95%): Up to $600
• Boiler (AFUE ≥ 90%): Up to $700
• Boiler w/ Integrated Water Heater (AFUE ≥ 90%): Up to $800

Water Heating

• Tankless On-Demand Water Heater (≥ 0.87 UEF): Up to $700
• High-Efficiency Storage Tank Water Heater (≥ 0.64 UEF): Up to $400

Controls

• Wi-Fi Enabled Thermostat: Rebate of $75, plus eligibility for ConnectedSolutions demand response program with seasonal bill credits

Water Service

Water service in Albany is provided by the City of Albany Department of Water & Water Supply. The city sources its water primarily from the Basic Creek Reservoir and Alcove Reservoir, both known for high-quality water filtered through natural forested watersheds. The water is treated and tested regularly for safety and taste.

Trash & Recycling

Trash and recycling in Albany are managed by the City of Albany Department of General Services (DGS). Residential trash collection occurs once weekly, while recycling is every other week, with a schedule based on your address.

The city offers a mobile-friendly portal for checking collection days, bulk item pickup requests, and reporting missed pickups. The DGS app and Albany Recycles app help residents stay on top of services and recycling best practices.

Recycling Info

Albany uses single-stream recycling, making it easy to toss paper, plastic, metal, and glass in one bin. Accepted materials include:

• Plastics #1–7
• Clean paper and cardboard
• Glass bottles and jars
• Aluminum and tin cans

Sustainability Initiatives

The city promotes backyard composting and holds seasonal electronics and hazardous waste drop-off events, helping residents reduce landfill waste. Residents are also encouraged to participate in the Adopt-a-Block and Neighborhood Cleanup programs.

Best Internet Providers in Albany

Albany has excellent internet options, with strong fiber and 5G coverage in most neighborhoods. Whether you’re a remote worker, gamer, or just a heavy streamer, there are plans to fit your needs.

1. Spectrum
   Offers cable internet with speeds up to 1 Gbps. No contracts, and bundles are available with TV and phone. Available to almost 92% of homes in Albany.
2. Verizon Fios
   Fiber-optic internet with symmetrical speeds up to 2.3 Gbps. Excellent reliability and fast upload speeds for video calls or cloud work. Coverage is bit more spotty than Spectrum, but available to about 62% of the area.
3. T-Mobile & Verizon 5G Home Internet
   Both offer competitive wireless internet with plug-and-play devices. Great for renters or people who want to avoid installation hassles.

Community Sustainability Programs

Beyond utility providers, Albany supports a variety of green initiatives through city and state programs. These initiatives are designed to lower carbon emissions, support renewables, and build more resilient infrastructure.

Local and State Opportunities:

• Climate Smart Communities: Albany is a certified community working toward aggressive climate goals.
• NYSERDA’s Clean Heating & Cooling Program: Rebates and loans for heat pumps, geothermal, and solar installations.
• NY Solar Map: A tool that helps residents assess their home’s solar potential.
• Compostable Yard Waste Program: Encourages seasonal composting of leaves, grass, and branches.

Financial Assistance for Utility Bills in Albany

Albany residents have access to several programs to help reduce utility costs, whether through their provider, the city, or state agencies.

Provider-Based Assistance

• National Grid Energy Affordability Program (EAP): Discounts for income-eligible households.
• Budget Billing: Smooths out seasonal spikes by averaging monthly usage.

City and Community Resources

• Albany Community Action Partnership (ACAP): Offers energy assistance grants and weatherization help for low-income households.
• Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany: Offers utility shutoff prevention services.

State-Level Help

• HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program): Federally funded program to assist with heating bills.
• EmPower+ New York: Free energy efficiency upgrades for income-eligible residents, including insulation and air sealing.

Albany Internet Connectivity

Fastest Internet Providers in Albany

Albany Drinking Water Quality Information

Clean drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Safe, contaminant-free water helps prevent the spread of diseases, supports proper hydration, and ensures the body's vital functions operate smoothly.