The New York State Public Service Commission announced that the state’s utilities are prepared to meet the electricity and natural gas demands of both residential and commercial customers during the upcoming winter season.
“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,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “Further, the utilities have hedged approximately 70 percent of the estimated statewide full service electric residential energy needs and 51 percent of the estimated statewide gas customer needs to mitigate any market price swings this winter.”
According to the Commission, gas utilities in the state have sufficient natural gas supply, delivery capacity, and storage inventory to handle customer needs under severe winter conditions. Utilities are required to file long-term gas system plans, and the Department of Public Service is reviewing these plans separately from the annual winter preparedness review. Staff noted that reliability margins remain tight in both electric and natural gas sectors, indicating a need for further investment to strengthen resilience and address possible contingencies.
Department staff projects that full-service residential electric bills will be similar to last winter’s on a statewide average. However, due to increased delivery rates for several gas utilities and lower forecasted commodity prices, gas bills are expected to be higher than last year on average. Customers’ actual costs may vary depending on their location, weather, and individual usage.
Discounts through Commission-approved Energy Affordability Programs (EAP) are available for income-eligible households, and starting in 2026, eligibility will extend to all residential utility customers below the median income.
Electric utilities continue efforts to reduce price volatility for full-service residential customers. Gas utilities use financial hedges and storage to help shield customers from market price swings, but global market volatility can still affect bills. The Department is providing outreach to inform consumers about resources, ways to lower energy costs, and available assistance programs. Staff is also working with utilities to ensure strong communication with customers regarding winter preparedness and affordability efforts.
The Department has a proactive outreach program offering information in multiple languages on billing options, financial aid, and steps to take in heating emergencies.
For this winter, a residential electric customer using 600 kWh per month is expected to pay about $60 per month for supply, a 1.4 percent increase from last year. The average residential customer using 719 therms of natural gas can expect to pay around $224 per month during the winter heating season (November through March), which is an 8 percent increase from the previous year. Bills will vary by region and usage, and colder-than-normal weather could further increase costs.
Applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) will open on November 1. HEAP can provide over $900 to eligible homeowners and renters based on income, household size, and heating method. A family of four must have an annual income below $80,165 to qualify. Income-eligible customers enrolled in HEAP are automatically signed up for EAP discount programs that offer additional monthly discounts on utility bills.
Department staff continues to monitor weather impacts, pipeline assets, and compliance among interruptible customers. Efforts include finding solutions that boost environmental benefits while meeting customer energy needs, such as efficiency measures and demand response programs. Utilities are finalizing contracts for natural gas supply and storage to meet peak winter demand, and the Department is monitoring areas where demand is rising quickly.
The long-term gas planning process is being updated to require utilities to file plans that include efficiency, demand response, and emission reduction programs. The process also allows for stakeholder input. Coordination with oil industry representatives and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) ensures adequate winter heating fuel supplies. Gas companies are auditing systems and scheduling tests to comply with alternate fuel requirements.
Electric utilities have increased pre-winter on-site fuel reserves, secured firm contracts with fuel oil suppliers, and improved maintenance preparations. The Department contacted major electric-generating facilities in Southeast New York, which own about 12,000 MW of dual fuel generation capability.
Consumers can take steps to reduce energy use and manage bills. NYSERDA offers tips and programs for home and business efficiency upgrades, some of which may be free or reduced cost for eligible customers. The New York Energy Advisor connects income-eligible residents with energy-saving programs and assistance. Community Solar projects allow customers, including renters and businesses, to save on electric bills by subscribing to local solar arrays.
Homeowners can access free energy audits through NYSERDA’s Residential Energy Audit Program. Community Energy Advisors can help residents and businesses lower energy use and costs. Clean Heating and Cooling Campaigns connect customers with contractors and information on incentives and financing for clean energy systems.
The New York State Home Energy Fair Practices Act provides protections for residential utility customers, including installment payment options and notice requirements before service shutoff. Utilities also offer bill payment plans such as deferred payments or budget billing.
Further information can be found on the Commission’s website at www.dps.ny.gov by searching Case Number 25-M-0183. Free language assistance services are available by calling 1-800-342-3377.
