BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Following one of the warmest winters on record for Western New York, National Fuel is predicting its customers will see an increase in their utility bills this season.
National Fuel expects the average bill for the five-month period between November and March to go up 13 percent to $560. That's an average monthly bill of $112. Last winter, heating costs averaged $494 or $99 per month.
National Fuel says temperatures last winter were about 16 percent warmer than normal.
“While we are expecting a modest increase in bills this winter, heating with natural gas remains the most affordable and reliable energy source for the residents and businesses in western New York,” said Donna L. DeCarolis, President of National Fuel. “Market prices for natural gas, the cost of the energy source, have remained low and relatively stable for more than a decade."
Why will prices go up?
- Expectation of a colder winter, leading to customers using more gas
- Estimated increase in delivery rates, pending approval from the National Public Service Commission (Last fall, National Fuel requested a delivery rate increase with the PSC for the first since 2017)
What's the deal with the rate increase?
National Fuel filed with the PSC to increase delivery rates, which could take effect as early as December 1.
We won't know for sure until the PSC gives the final sign-off. They're currently in the middle of reviewing the request, which we're told is an 11-month process.
We're told the approved rates after this process are nearly always lower than what is requested.
How can I save on utility bills?
There are a few assistance programs that can help, but qualifications vary by program.
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) opens November 1 with grants starting at $400, click here for more info
- NYS Energy Affordability Program provides monthly discounts, click here for more info
- Neighbor for Neighbor Heat Fund provides $300 grants, click here for more info
- Special protections exist for households where all residents are over 62 years old, under 18 or disabled
- Deferred payment plans can be made based on finances, click here for more info
- Conservation Incentive Program provides rebates for installing high-efficiency appliances, click here for more info
- Sealed, a partnership National Fuel has with a company that can upgrade your home energy, click here for more info
- HomeServe, will do home repairs to protect against expenses, click here for more info
If you need help managing their energy bill you can call National Fuel at 800-365-3234 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. through 6 p.m. or visit the website.
