A National Grid truck was spotted in Saratoga Springs during the winter several years ago. (file photo)
NEW YORK — National Grid officials recently predicted some good news for people worried about the cost of heating their homes with natural gas this winter.
Residential natural gas heating costs are expected to decline by more than 18% in the 2023-2024 winter heating season, according to a National Grid news release. The expected year-on-year decline is due to increased domestic natural gas production and supply, as well as lower demand in international markets, officials noted.
Launched in 2022, the Customer Savings Initiative connects customers with resources to reduce energy usage, save money, better manage their bills and secure available energy assistance. National Grid’s resources include numerous payment programs for income-eligible customers, a wide range of residential and business energy efficiency programs and incentives, low-cost and free bill management solutions, and flexible payment programs.
Officials also announced that the company’s shareholders will donate $6 million to provide the first project to provide emergency heating and food assistance to low- to moderate-income people who are not eligible for federally funded affordability programs. said he established the New York Energy Company Relief Program.
“While lower energy bills are certainly welcome news for customers, energy prices can still add to the financial burden for those struggling with high costs at places like grocery stores and gas pumps. We know that,” said Melanie Littlejohn of National Grid. York’s vice president of customer and community engagement said in a news release. “Our commitment is to support our customers by helping them stay warm and safe this winter. At National Grid, we have many resources available to you, as well as energy saving strategies, resources and tips. We are offering assistance programs and encouraging our customers to take action now before the cold weather sets in.”
Littlejohn said the company conducts active outreach through email, radio ads, traditional and social media, webinars, customer energy-saving events, and bill messages highlighting programs that help customers manage their utility bills. He said he is doing so.
How the current forecast will affect your winter bill
Based on current market conditions, National Grid residential natural gas customers with an average of 719 periods during the five-month winter heating season from November 1, 2023 to March 30, 2024 , you would expect to pay about $143 less (about $18.3). % – From last winter. Since 2024 is a leap year, this forecast is based on slightly higher heat usage.
National Grid said its winter bill forecasts are based on information available at the end of September and assume typical winter weather conditions. Because energy costs and usage are affected by weather and other market factors, the company cautions customers that today’s forecasts are approximate and based on a snapshot in time. In addition to weather, the factors that determine actual costs include wholesale energy supply prices, global supply and demand, and energy usage, all of which can be dramatically affected by severe cold weather.
customer support
Customers who are having difficulty paying their utility bills are encouraged to contact National Grid as soon as possible. There are several assistance programs for income-eligible customers, including:
Federal Home Energy Assistance Program. Provides subsidies to eligible customers to help pay for home heating costs. These grants do not need to be repaid. The program is administered by the county’s social services department and typically runs from November to March, although the period may be extended or shortened based on the availability of federal funds. For more information about HEAP, contact your county’s social services department.
National Grid’s Energy Affordability Program. Automatically provide monthly gas and electric bill credits to customers who qualify for HEAP or participate in other eligible programs.
NYSERDA’s EmPower New York Income Qualified Free Weatherization Program. Under this program, participating contractors complete a free home energy assessment to determine if their home would benefit from free energy upgrades such as high-efficiency lighting, attic and wall insulation, and home replacements. Old, inefficient refrigerators and freezers, water-saving shower heads.
National Grid’s two new relief programs were established last winter to help customers who are above the federal poverty level but below basic cost of living guidelines.
The Hope & Warmth Energy Fund provides emergency financial assistance to National Grid customers who meet financial eligibility and receive a disconnection notice.
Hearts Fighting Hunger provides one-time emergency food assistance to National Grid customers who meet financial and other eligibility criteria.
Both programs are administered by HeartShare Human Services in New York, along with the Care & Share Energy Fund.
Additionally, National Grid Consumer Advocates works directly with customers to help them manage their energy bills. Advocate specializes in assisting income-eligible and vulnerable customers by connecting them with available programs and services provided by National Grid and local agency partners. Contact us at 1-800-642-4272 or ConsumerAdvocatesUNY@nationalgrid.com.
Additional customer solutions:
The Budget Billing Program is available to all residential customers and helps you better manage your energy costs by spreading your payments more evenly throughout the year.
Available as a pilot program for customers in Oneida, Onondaga, and Oswego counties, the Home Energy Savings Program provides one-stop shopping and flexible financing options for residential customers’ energy needs, reducing the monthly cost of home improvements. There are little or no additional costs. project. This program provides personalized home upgrades. Depending on the proposed energy savings and available financing options, there may be little or no out-of-pocket costs.
A free home energy audit available through NYSERDA can give you a thorough look at where your home is wasting energy. Customers learn the root causes of drafts, inconsistent temperatures, heating and cooling system malfunctions, and other issues and receive recommendations on how to address these issues.
National Grid’s free online home energy survey. Give your customers a custom energy savings report with his free 5-minute survey.
The company also encourages customers to take advantage of additional payment and billing options, including flexible payment agreements and special protections.
