BUFFALO, N.Y. — There's a mix of good and bad news when it comes to home heating forecasts for the winter.
The New York State Department of Public Service released its winter heating projections.
The agency said the average electric customer will pay about 2 percent less than last year, but that's not the same for natural gas users, whose heating bills are projected up 11 percent compared to last winter.
"We are closely monitoring the utilities serving New York State to make sure they have adequate sources and supplies of electricity and natural gas to meet expected customer demands this winter,” commission chair Rory M. Christian recently said in a statement.
"Further, the utilities have hedged approximately 70 percent of their estimated statewide full service electric residential energy needs to mitigate any electric market price swings this winter."
Here are some ways you could help cut energy costs:
- Apply for HEAP. Applications will be accepted for the Home Energy Assistance Program will start being accepted on Nov. 1. It can provide more than $900 to eligible homeowners and renters. How much you can save depends on income, household size, and how you heat your home. To qualify, the income for a family of four cannot exceed $76,680.
- Energy Assistance Program Discounts. Low-income customers enrolled in HEAP are automatically enrolled in the EAP discount program, which provides further monthly discounts on gas and electric utility bills.
- Take immediate action to be more energy efficient. Pay attention to energy-saving tips, and look our for home energy efficiency programs that can help save energy and reduce costs over time.
- Look for lists of energy-related assistance programs. New York Energy Advisor helps eligible customers find programs that can save them money.
- Sign up for Community Solar, a program that allows renters, co-op and condo owners, and businesses to save money on monthly electric bills.
- Get a free energy audit. The state's Residential Energy Audit Program allows people to get home energy assessments, both in-person and remotely.
- Join a Clean Heating and Cooling Campaign. Contractors can give a home or business owners an assessment to determine if the space could benefit from weatherproofing upgrades.
- Know your rights and protections. You have the option to pay bills in installments, a cap on late fees, notice prior to shut-off of services. People on a fixed income or who are dealing with medical conditions also have protections.
- Consider bill payment options. Find out more about billing options that allow for deferred payments or other options that balance out bills that are higher in one season and lower in another.