Wholesale vs. Retail Electricity

The NYISO administers the wholesale power market for New York State. Wholesale power is accessible only from the high-voltage system, at quantities larger than one megawatt. While the NYISO is not involved in the retail market for electricity, the companies that provide retail electricity (utilities and energy service companies, for example) procure power through the NYISO’s wholesale electricity markets.

electricity

Key Energy Terms

Wholesale Electricity

Must be a participant in NYISO markets to purchase wholesale power. Minimum quantity is (1) one megawatt, which can power between 600 and 1,000 homes.

Retail Electricity

Power purchased by consumers or businesses, and delivered through a lower-voltage local distribution system.