Heating Prices Expected To Go Up Significantly In New York State

National Grid is expected to charge consumers in New York State significantly more on their heating bills this winter. It's really bad news, considering that Old Farmer's Almanac, it's going to be a bone-chilling winter in the Northeast, including New York. There are some things you can do to save money on your heating bill.

Workers plow snow in Rockefeller Plaza after a blizzard hit the Northeast on January 30, 2022 in New York City. A powerful nor'easter brought blinding blizzard conditions with high winds causing some power outages to the Mid-Atlantic. (Photo by Jeenah Moon/Getty Images)

Janice Stillman, editor of The Old Farmer’s Almanac says,

Depending on where you live, this will be the best of winters or memorable for all the wrong reasons. One half of the country will deal with bone-chilling cold and loads of snow, while the other half may feel like winter never really arrives.

The Old Farmer's Almanac warns residents of the Northeast to brace themselves for freezing temperatures,

The eastern half of the U.S. should brace for potentially record-breaking cold to define the season.

How Much Is National Grid Increasing Heating Prices?

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According to information that National Grid released on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, customers can expect almost a 40% increase from last year,

Based on current market conditions, National Grid’s residential natural gas customers who use an average of 713 therms during the five-month winter heating season — November 1, 2022, to March 30, 2023 — are forecasted to pay about $263 more than last winter.

That’s a 39% increase for the same amount of energy use over five months, with $231 of that increase attributed to higher wholesale supply prices.

The remaining portion of the increase is related to delivery price increases approved as part of the company’s multi-year rate agreement and other customer bill surcharges.

Here's How You Can Save Money On Your Heating Bills During The Frigid New York Winter

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- Consider turning down the temperature on your thermostat. National Grid says that for every 1 degree you reduce your thermostat, you could save 1% to 3% on your heating bill.
- If you leave your home for more than 2 hours, turn down your thermostat. Also do the same at night. It takes less energy to heat a cool room back up than it does to maintain a warm temperature over time.
- Replace your old thermostat with a smart thermostat. National Grid says it could save up to 10% on your heating costs.
- Be sure your home has the proper insulation to prevent the loss of heat and stop cold air from seeping in.
- Open curtains during the day to allow heat from the sun in and close them at night to prevent heat loss.
- Seal holes and cracks around your home, which can allow heat to get out and cold air to come in.
- Unplug electric devices when they are not in use.

Get more energy-saving tips from National Grid here.

With many New Yorkers struggling to keep up with the essentials due to inflation, this winter could be brutal in more ways than one - not only temperature-wise but wallet-wise too.

In addition to the money-saving tips listed above, there is heating assistance available in New York State:

- New York state’s one-time Electric & Gas Bill Relief credit program - if you're already in the arrears from a bill prior to May 1, 2022, you have up until December 31, 2022 to apply for assistance (click here).

- Sponsored by the federal government, the Home Energy Assistance Program, provides certain customers who meet income restrictions with financial grants to help pay home heating bills (click here).