RG&E Gas Customers Can Expect Lower Winter Heating Bills
Utility forecasts 30 percent decrease in gas supply costs for average residential customers
The Company reminds customers of payment options, budget billing, and payment assistance, including HEAP; scheduled to open November 1
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — October 25, 2023 — Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) announced today that its customers can expect to see a decrease in their winter heating bills this season. RG&E is forecasting a 30 percent decrease in supply costs for natural gas, which means the average residential customer taking supply service from RG&E can expect to pay $40 less for gas supply service over the November through March timeframe compared to last year. The Company is forecasting a slight increase in supply cost for electricity, based on current market prices compared to last year. RG&E is forecasting that the average residential customer taking commodity service from RG&E can expect to pay nearly $40 more in electric supply service from December to March than last year.
“Part of the reason for the projected decrease in gas supply costs is due to improved reserves in the U.S. and in part by less demand for liquified natural gas in Europe,” said Pat Fox, senior director of Energy Services for RG&E. “If we have normal winter weather, we expect to see the cost of natural gas fall off significantly compared to last year.”
RG&E purchases natural gas and electricity supply on the open market. The Utility does not realize any financial benefit from supply charges, which are passthrough costs that represent the actual cost of purchasing the energy (natural gas and electricity) to deliver to customers.
Even with lower supply costs, the Company recognizes that customers can be challenged by winter heating bills. The Company is reminding customers of payment options, budget billing, energy saving tips and energy efficiency programs. Customers can begin applying for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which is scheduled to open November 1, 2023.
“We want our customers to know that help is always here for them when they need it,” said Christine Alexander, VP of Customer Service for NYSEG and RG&E. ”We encourage them to take steps to ensure they’re able to get financial assistance that is available to them.”
HEAP is a federal grant program that helps eligible households pay for energy costs and weatherization. Benefits are available through March 15, 2024, or until funds are exhausted, whichever occurs first.
For more information about HEAP, please visit mybenefits.ny.gov or customers can contact their local department of social services.
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Media Contact:
Alexis Arnold
alexis.arnold@avangrid.com
585.953.3159