Oct. 26—New York State Electric & Gas said this week its customers can expect to see a decrease in their winter heating bills this season.
According to a media release from the company, NYSEG is projecting a 40% decrease in supply costs for natural gas, which means the average residential customer taking supply service from NYSEG can expect to pay about $120 less for gas supply service from November through March, compared to last year.
Based on current electric market prices, the company is forecasting supply cost for electricity to be about the same as last year. NYSEG is forecasting that the average residential customer taking commodity service from the utility can expect to pay about $30 more from the December to March timeframe in electric supply service than last year, the release said.
"Part of the reason for the projected decrease in gas supply costs is due to improved reserves in the U.S. and in part by less demand for liquified natural gas in Europe," said Pat Fox, senior director of energy services for NYSEG. "If we have normal winter weather, we expect to see the cost of natural gas fall off significantly compared to last year."
NYSEG also reminded customers of payment options, budget billing, energy saving tips and energy efficiency programs. Customers who cannot afford energy bills can begin applying for the Home Energy Assistance Program, which is scheduled to open Nov. 1.
HEAP is a federal grant program that helps eligible households pay for energy costs and weatherization. Benefits are available through March 15, 2024, or until funds are exhausted, whichever occurs first.
For more information about HEAP, mybenefits.ny.gov or customers can contact their local department of social services.