Cooler temperatures are on the way and the furnaces will be working hard soon enough. The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) released its winter projections saying that gas bills will be higher this winter, but those with electric heat may experience a small break.
The severity of the winter plays a big role in costs per family, but estimates of can be made based on winter forecasts and predictions.
PSC says on a statewide average, an average residential electric customer is expected to pay about $58 per month for supply this winter, down 2 percent from the same period a year ago, but the actual amount varies by which utility company you use.
Meanwhile, the average residential customer using natural gas can expect to pay an estimated $202 per month during the winter heating season (November through March), up 11 percent from the same period a year ago.
The actual amount will vary widely by region due to the weather and usage. A colder-than-normal winter will cause usage and bills to increase. Note that the state’s investor-owned utilities take steps to reduce the volatility of electric and gas supply prices to their full-service residential customers.
“We are closely monitoring the utilities serving New York State to make sure they have adequate sources and supplies of electricity and natural gas to meet expected customer demands this winter,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “Further, the utilities have hedged approximately 70 percent of their estimated statewide full-service electric residential energy needs to mitigate any electric market price swings this winter.”
Beginning November 1, applications will be accepted for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) which can provide more than $900 to eligible homeowners and renters depending on income, household size and how they heat their home. Suffolk County HEAP applicants can visit www.suffolkcountyny.gov for more information and application forms.