Americans in the New York region and across the country are demanding more and cleaner energy while keeping costs from rising even further. This demand represents an opportunity for public and for-profit energy utilities to position themselves as leaders in the space. Strategic communications are the key to unlocking this potential.
New York’s Focus on Clean and Renewable Energy
New York Governor Kathy Hochul addressed clean and renewable energy directly in her State of the State Address on January 13, 2026. Hochul highlighted a goal of increasing energy capacity with a focus on clean energy.
The Governor specifically touted a new initiative, the Nuclear Reliability Backbone, which would allow the state to quickly ramp up the capacity of the electric grid while protecting reliability and protecting ratepayers from more price hikes.
Hochul also noted that while AI data centers were important for innovation, their energy demands should not impact New Yorkers. “[I]f they want to build in New York, they have to pay their fair share for the power they use,” she noted, adding that “if you’re going to come, you have to generate your own power, independently–clean energy not on the grid.”
Demand for Clean Energy in New York and Beyond
A 2025 study by Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future found 66% of New York voters across the political spectrum support plans to increase renewable energy (particularly wind and solar) along with improving access to clean energy like natural gas. 58% support a sole focus on more wind and solar energy to address New York’s needs. 82% feel their electricity bills are too high, a notable pain point for ratepayers.
In neighboring New Jersey, a 2025 survey by Fairleigh Dickinson University found that voters from both parties primarily blame energy companies and the state government for high energy prices. When asked what type of power plants the state should focus on building to address these issues, the top choice was green energy.
These surveys echo public sentiment about renewable energy across the United States. 78% of U.S. adults favor more solar power in the country, and 72% favor more wind power, according to a 2024 Pew Research study. Overall, 64% of U.S. adults say renewable energy is a more important priority to address the country’s energy supply needs versus expanding the production of fossil fuels.
The Strategic Communications Opportunity for Utilities
Given the overwhelming desire for renewable and clean energy in the New York area and beyond, there is a distinct opportunity for public and for-profit power utilities to position themselves as champions for innovation and growth. Governor Hochul’s clear call-to-action for energy investment is also a call-to-action for utilities to develop a strategic communication plan.
Strategic communications are focused, purpose-driven communications that help an organization reach specific goals. Crafting a strategic communications plan involves identifying clear goals, target audiences, and developing messaging and a plan for stakeholder engagement.
Niki Jones Agency develops strategies for public and for-profit organizations that unifies your external and internal communications to ensure that your messaging conveys the right ideas to the right people in the most effective way.
Our strategic communications approach starts with an audit of your current marketing materials to evaluate everything from your brand voice to accessibility. We dive into your data to see what’s working and not working, such as email open rates and marketing campaign results. We identify your pain points as an organization. This lays the foundation for a unified communications strategy that will help position your utility as a leader in the energy space.
Interested in taking your strategic communications to the next level? Contact Niki Jones Agency today.