As the bills for the Christmas gifts come in, expect National Fuel Gas to take a bit more from your wallet, too. Over the next three years, the rate will increase by about 19% costing ratepayers roughly $207 more every year.
The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) approved National Fuel Gas's request to increase its base delivery rates and charges for gas service effective Jan. 1, 2025. Under the agreement, National Fuel cannot request any further increases to its base delivery rates before Oct. 1, 2027.
National Fuel Gas says the rate increase is necessary to comply with New York State’s Grenn New Deal - also called the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).
The rate increase is part of an agreement, or Joint Proposal, reached with the New York Department of Public Service and other parties that allows for an annual revenue increase of $86 million over three years.
“The misguided energy policies of the Democrats will continue to bite New Yorkers where it hurts,” said Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano. “They’ve made us the highest taxed people in the country with the worst economic outlook because of this.”
Under the approved Joint Proposal, National Fuel’s base delivery rates for all service classes will increase three separate times throughout the 3-year rate plan.
Residential customer bills will increase on average $5.97 per month, or 5.6%, on Jan. 1, 2025; $6.06 per month, or 7.2%, on Oct. 1, 2025; and $5.18 per month, or 5.8%, on Oct. 1, 2026. Currently, the average monthly bill of a typical residential customer using 102 thousand cubic feet of gas a year is approximately $80 per month.
If you need help with paying for your gas bill this winter heating season, more than $1,800 in payment assistance may be available for eligible households depending on income and expenses. Customers who are having difficulty paying their bills are encouraged to contact National Fuel at 1-800-365-3234, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.