WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – National Grid is warning customers that February’s utility bill will likely cost more than any other month this winter as cold temperatures drive up energy usage and prices.
The average National Grid customer can expect to pay more than $360 just for the month of February, which will appear on March bills.
“We know customers are going to be facing what is likely a much higher bill in March,” said Jared Paventi, strategic communications manager with National Grid.
Energy prices surge amid cold weather
National Grid officials say customers are using more energy services due to the cold, leading natural gas prices to shoot up 44% and the cost of electricity to go up 28%.
The utility company says it doesn’t control those energy prices, only delivery costs, which also went up by 10 to 15 percent last September.
“I am a National Grid employee, but I’m also a National Grid customer. My National Grid bill is as high as it’s ever been during the winter,” Paventi said.
Payment assistance programs available
Knowing the difficulties families are having affording these increasing bills, National Grid is encouraging people to reach out for various payment programs.
“If you’re finding yourself where you’re in an economically vulnerable space, I want to get people to our consumer advocates who can help people who are income eligible get qualified for programs like HEAP or some of the energy affordability programs that National Grid has,” Paventi said.
The utility company notes that energy costs are driven by supply and demand, and prices could come down if consumers use less energy. For customers in the North Country, relief will likely come when spring arrives.
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