Compare Utility Providers in Buffalo, NY

Top 26 Electric Providers in Buffalo

Top 6 Natural Gas Providers in Buffalo

Top 8 Internet Providers in Buffalo

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

Solar Providers in Buffalo

Water & Sewage Providers in Buffalo

Top 21 Trash and Recycling Providers in Buffalo

Utilities Summary for Buffalo, NY

Electric Companies:	26
Natural Gas Companies:	6
Water & Sewage Providers:	2
Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers:	21
Municipal Electricity:	No

Buffalo Utility Guide: Setting Up Your New Home

Buffalo, New York, where rich history meets snowy winters and strong community vibes. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Erie, Buffalo is known for its revitalized waterfront, historic architecture, and affordable cost of living compared to other Northeastern cities. If you’re moving into a new home in Buffalo, you’ll want to get your utilities sorted quickly so you can settle in comfortably. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up electricity, natural gas, water, trash, internet, green energy options, and financial assistance programs in the area.

Electricity in Buffalo, NY

Electricity service in Buffalo is provided primarily by National Grid, a large utility company that delivers electricity throughout much of upstate New York. While National Grid handles the delivery and maintenance of power lines, New York’s deregulated energy market allows you to choose your electricity supplier for the actual electricity you use.

Energy Efficiency & Rebates

National Grid offers a variety of energy efficiency programs to help homeowners save on energy:

• Home Energy Audits: Free or discounted audits to identify energy-saving opportunities
• Rebates for Appliances: Incentives for ENERGY STAR®-certified refrigerators, washers, smart thermostats, and more
• Weatherization Assistance: Rebates for insulation, air sealing, and high-efficiency HVAC upgrades
• Smart Thermostat Rebates: $50+ rebates on Nest, ecobee, and similar models

Natural Gas in Buffalo, NY

Natural gas service in Buffalo is handled by National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation, commonly referred to as National Fuel. National Fuel is the local utility company responsible for delivering natural gas to your home, they manage the pipelines, maintenance, safety, and billing. The company serves over 754,000 customers in western New York through its local distribution network. Like electricity, natural gas in New York is deregulated, so you can choose a separate natural gas supplier for the supply portion of your bill.

Energy Efficiency & Rebates

National Fuel offers several programs and incentives to promote energy efficiency:

• High‑efficiency boiler/furnace rebates: substantial discounts for upgrading to ENERGY STAR® equipment
• Water‑heater rebates: savings on tankless or high-efficiency units
• Home weatherization: including insulation and air-sealing, often supported via NYSERDA partnerships

Interesting Facts

• National Fuel was a pioneer in using depleted gas fields for storage, the Zoar Field near Buffalo was the nation’s first such facility.
• They introduced “Balanced Billing” in 1975, offering customers more consistent monthly payments.

Deregulated Energy Market: Choosing Your Energy Supplier

Buffalo residents have the power to choose their Energy Services Company (ESCO) for both electricity and natural gas. The delivery service still comes from National Grid, but your supply costs may vary depending on which ESCO you choose.

Top ESCOs Serving Buffalo

1. Constellation Energy
   • Fixed-rate and variable-rate plans
   • Green energy options available
2. Direct Energy
   • Known for competitive pricing and longer-term contracts
   • Often includes perks like smart thermostats
3. Verde Energy
   • 100% renewable energy plans
   • Monthly or annual contracts
4. Ambit Energy
   • Fixed and variable plans
   • Customer referral incentives

Tips for Choosing a Supplier

• Compare fixed vs. variable rates
• Check contract terms and cancellation fees
• Look for renewable energy options
• Review customer ratings on New York Power to Choose

Water Service in Buffalo

Water in Buffalo is supplied by the Buffalo Water Authority, a public utility that ensures residents have clean, safe, and affordable drinking water. You’ll need to contact them to start service when moving into your new home.

Buffalo Water has been investing in upgrading its infrastructure and improving water quality, with initiatives like lead service line replacements and stormwater management improvements.

Trash & Recycling Services

Buffalo’s Department of Sanitation handles solid waste and recycling for residential properties. Trash and recycling collection is weekly, and large bulk pickup is also available on a scheduled basis.

Key Details

• Trash Day Lookup: buffalony.gov
• Bulk Waste Pickup: Call 311 to schedule
• Recycling: Single-stream (no sorting required)
• Yard Waste: Collected seasonally from April to October

Residents are provided with city-issued totes for both trash and recycling. Recyclables include paper, cardboard, plastics #1-7, glass, and metals.

Best Internet Providers in Buffalo, NY

Buffalo has a competitive internet market with several reliable providers. Whether you work from home, stream frequently, or just need the basics, there’s an option for you.

1. Spectrum
   • Cable internet with download speeds up to 1 Gbps
   • Available to 95% of homes in the city
   • No data caps
   • Often bundled with TV and phone
2. Verizon Fios
   • Fiber-optic service with speeds up to 2.3 Gbps
   • Available to about 65% of the area
   • Great for gamers and streamers
   • Known for reliable service
3. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
   • Fixed wireless using T-Mobile’s 5G network
   • No annual contract or data cap
   • Plug-and-play setup

Green Energy & Conservation Options

Buffalo is increasingly focused on sustainability, and there are several ways for residents to support clean energy and reduce their carbon footprint.

Green Energy Choices

• ESCOs offering 100% renewable electricity: Look for providers like Verde Energy or CleanChoice Energy.
• National Grid’s Renewable Energy Programs: Enroll in GreenUp to support wind and solar farms.
• Solar for All (via NYSERDA): Provides free community solar access to income-eligible households.
• Home Energy Audits: NYSERDA and National Grid offer free or low-cost assessments.

Buffalo is also home to community-led initiatives like Buffalo Energy, a local company offering home weatherization and solar panel installation.

Utility Bill Assistance Programs in Buffalo

Buffalo offers multiple financial assistance programs to help low-income residents manage utility bills. These programs are especially helpful during harsh winters when heating costs spike.

City & State Resources

1. HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program)
   • Helps with heating bills during winter
   • Emergency benefits available
2. Emergency HEAP
   • For households facing utility shutoffs or out-of-fuel situations
   • Can be used multiple times per season if needed
3. National Grid Energy Affordability Program (EAP)
   • Monthly bill credits for qualifying low-income customers
   • Auto-enrollment if receiving benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI
4. Neighbor Fund (National Grid)
   • One-time grants up to $200 for those ineligible for HEAP
5. Buffalo Water Affordability Program
   • Payment plans and discounts for income-qualified households
   • Call 716-847-1065 to apply
6. 211 WNY
   • Call or visit 211wny.org for local utility and housing aid programs

Buffalo Internet Connectivity

Fastest Internet Providers in Buffalo

Buffalo 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.