ConEd Warns Of Rising Prices, Urges Energy Conservation

WESTCHESTER, NY — Con Edison officials say energy bills this winter could see close to a 25 percent increase over last year.

The average residential gas-heating bill from November 2021 through March 2022 will be about $341 per month, up about 24 percent from last winter’s average monthly bill of $275, according to the utility company’s projections. The estimate is based on average monthly usage and assumes normal winter weather.

"The increase is mostly due to supply costs — meaning the cost of the natural gas itself — but the projected bill also reflects increases in the delivery charges," the company said in a release urging customers to start preparing for winter weather now. "Con Edison does not set supply costs and does not make a profit on the supply."

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Con Edison uses a variety of buying methods and hedges, including short-term and long-term contracts, to get the best prices for its customers and offset increases in the cost of supply, the company said. The cost of natural gas has increased as the demand has increased, exports have increased and severe weather has hindered production in the Gulf area in recent months.

The company said the best strategy for its 1.1 million gas customers is to carefully manage usage.

Customers can save money on heating by using these tips, according to Con Edison:

• Set your thermostat at the lowest temperature at which you are comfortable and safe. Each degree lower decreases heating costs.
• Make sure heating vents are not blocked by furniture, carpeting or anything else that could obstruct the flow of heat.
• Have a qualified contractor clean and inspect your heating system.
• Insulate hot-water pipes and warm-air ducts that pass through unheated areas. Clean or replace filters for your hot-air furnace and heat-pump.
• Swap out window shades seasonally. Light-colored window coverings reflect the sun's energy, while darker ones absorb it and release heat.

In addition, Con Edison offers incentives to help customers make upgrades that can help them save energy and money.

The utility said natural gas supplies are expected to remain tight this winter. Additionally, any disruption from interstate gas transmission providers could further constrain supplies. Con Edison, however, reports that it has secured adequate supplies for its gas customers, approximately 370,000 of whom use gas to heat their homes or businesses in Manhattan, the Bronx, Westchester County and parts of Queens.

Con Edison is also urging customers to conserve electricity during the upcoming winter months, particularly with electric costs also on the rise in Westchester County.

Higher natural gas prices increase electricity prices because natural gas is the fuel used to make nearly all the power for homes and businesses in the New York City area, the utility said.

The average Westchester residential electric bill from November 2021 through March 2022 is projected to be $163.31 per month, up 15.2 percent from last winter’s average monthly bill of $141.79. The Westchester estimate is based on average monthly usage of 600 kilowatt hours.

More information on Con Edison’s rebates and incentives for upgrades for saving energy and money can be found here.