National Grid has announced that its customers in Albany should expect increased heating bills this winter. Natural gas users will see an average monthly increase of $13, bringing the typical bill to about $145 from November to March. The rise is due to a recent utility rate hike and the increasing cost of natural gas, which has been driven by higher domestic demand and exports. Despite these changes, the price of electricity, another common heating source, is not expected to rise significantly in the coming months.
National Grid is investing billions into upgrading New York’s aging gas infrastructure, which is contributing to the higher costs. The company’s director of pricing, Kellie Smith, explained that the increase is part of a three-year spending plan approved by state regulators. The Times Union reported that the delivery portion of bills will also rise, with customers spending an average of $80 per month on energy delivery, a $10 increase from last winter.
For those struggling with the rising costs, assistance is available through the Energy Affordability Program, which has recently expanded its eligibility criteria. The program aims to keep gas and electric bills from exceeding six percent of a household’s monthly income. Households with incomes up to the state’s median of $79,557 may now qualify for assistance, potentially reducing monthly bills by $2 to $13, according to CNY News…