Table of Contents

Iran Ceasefire: What It Means for Your New York Energy Bills

A ceasefire framework between the U.S. and Iran is finally taking shape, with a formal agreement expected to be signed this week. The most immediate impact for New York energy consumers is a meaningful drop in prices that fell in response. However, despite the drop, prices remain well above pre-conflict levels, and the ceasefire’s durability is still uncertain.

For natural gas in New York, the picture is mixed. Near-term prices have eased, but the Northeast’s heavy dependence on imported Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) during winter months means global supply disruptions still cast a shadow over upcoming heating season costs. Until LNG trade through the Strait of Hormuz fully normalizes, forward prices for this winter are likely to remain elevated.

New York’s electricity market is entering a relatively calmer summer period, but above-normal temperatures are forecast for the region, which will drive up cooling demand and could push prices higher before fall. Because natural gas fuels roughly half of the state’s electricity generation, gas prices and electric bills tend to move in the same direction, and that relationship will be especially important to watch as winter approaches.

For MEGA participants, the current window of softer prices may be the best near-term opportunity to lock in supply agreements. Acting now, before summer heat peaks and winter premiums return, could provide meaningful protection for the months ahead.

For more details or to discuss your individual energy strategy, please reach out to us at info@megaenergy.org.

New York Energy Grid Outlook: What Municipalities Need to Know

By MEGA and Priority Power Management

New York's electric grid is facing more pressure than it has in decades, and it's affecting how municipalities should think about energy procurement. NYISO's newly released Power Trends 2026 report identifies five reliability challenges hitting the grid at once, from aging power plants and rising EV/data center demand to increasingly stressful winters and aging infrastructure.

For municipalities, energy budgets may be harder to predict, and favorable pricing windows may not last as long. Locking in fixed rates through MEGA's publicly bid process is one of the most effective ways to protect your budget from this volatility, with no energy expertise required.

MEGA worked with its energy consultants at Priority Power Management to break down the report's key findings can help. Click below for the full summary.

NYSAC Releases Report on Renewable Energy Siting

By the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC)

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) last week released a new report outlining county-led recommendations to better balance New York's renewable energy goals with the need to protect productive farmland, support local communities, and maintain a reliable and affordable energy system. The report, Balancing Renewable Energy Siting and Farmland Protection in New York State, reflects the work of NYSAC's Steering Committee on Energy Siting and Farmland Protection and incorporates feedback from county leaders across the state.  

The report comes as New York accelerates efforts to meet its clean energy goals while facing growing concerns from local governments about the loss of prime agricultural land, constraints on local land-use authority, and increasing pressure on rural communities hosting large-scale renewable energy projects. The report concludes that New York can and must advance both clean energy development and farmland protection, but that doing so will require a more balanced siting framework and greater investment in alternative energy strategies.  

Among its recommendations, the report calls for: 

1. Stronger protections for New York's most productive agricultural soils; 
2. Restoring meaningful local authority in siting decisions; 
3. Greater consideration of brownfields, landfills, rooftops, and parking canopies for renewable energy development; 
4. Increased investment in farmland preservation and farm viability programs; and
5. Strategic investments in transmission infrastructure to reduce development pressure on agricultural lands.  

The report also recognizes that renewable energy siting challenges cannot be viewed in isolation from broader questions surrounding New York's future energy supply. 

Three Recipients Chosen for 2026 MEGA Member Scholarship

This year, MEGA once again offered a scholarship opportunity for graduating high school seniors residing in a MEGA member municipality or attending a member school district. We received outstanding applications from across New York State, representing some of the brightest and most promising students in our member communities.

After careful review, MEGA staff has selected three recipients for the 2026 MEGA Member Scholarship. We want to recognize and sincerely congratulate:

• Lauren Davey (Peru Central School District)
• Loghan Strickland (Beekmantown Central School District)
• Elijah Carmichael (Oakfield-Alabama Central School District)

These students exemplify academic achievement, community involvement, and a strong commitment to pursuing future studies in STEM or public policy.

We thank all the applicants who shared their impressive accomplishments and aspirations with us. The future of our communities is brighter because of students like you!

A special thanks goes out to our MEGA members who helped promote this opportunity. We truly value your support in spreading the word within your communities!

Livingston County

This month’s Member Spotlight features Livingston County, a destination known for its scenic landscapes, outdoor recreation, and small‑town communities. From the waterfalls and trails of Letchworth State Park to the farms and villages that define the region, Livingston County offers a range of experiences shaped by its natural surroundings. Discover what makes Livingston County a distinctive part of western New York.

2026 New York Energy Market Update

Tuesday, June 23.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Free Registration

NRG, MEGA's energy supply partner for natural gas, is hosting an upcoming webinar focused on the evolving New York energy market. As market conditions become more complex, this session will offer insights into key drivers like supply and demand, infrastructure developments such as the Champlain Hudson Power Express, and emerging state policies that could affect pricing. Attendees will also learn about current purchasing strategies and options to help businesses manage risk and stay on budget in a changing energy landscape.

As a nonprofit local development corporation, our mission has always been to serve public entities in New York State. For 27 years, MEGA has helped more than 250 members achieve meaningful savings on the supply portion of their energy costs while improving budget stability. Predictable energy costs can support more effective financial planning and help ensure that limited resources remain focused on core municipal priorities.

Our Partners:

MEGA is featured on NYSAC's County Conversations podcast! Click to listen.

Want to learn more about MEGA? Visit our website or check us out on our socials!