As the winter months approach, Orange & Rockland Utilities (O&R) is rolling out programs and sharing valuable energy-saving tips to help customers manage rising energy costs. With natural gas and electricity prices expected to be higher this winter, O&R aims to support customers in reducing their bills while promoting environmental responsibility.
Programs to Support Customers
O&R offers a variety of payment plans and assistance options to make energy bills more manageable. Through its Budget Billing program, customers can spread their costs evenly throughout the year, making it easier to budget for winter heating. Additionally, customers enrolled in certain government assistance programs may be eligible for discounts on their monthly energy bills.
Starting November 1, eligible customers can apply for the New York State Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which provides financial support for heating costs. Information on eligibility and applications is available through the state’s myBenefits.ny.gov website.
Energy Conservation Tips
To help customers lower their energy consumption and control costs, O&R recommends the following conservation tips:
- Set Thermostats Efficiently: Keeping thermostats at the lowest comfortable setting can significantly reduce heating costs.
- Clear Heating Vents: Ensure that furniture or carpets aren’t blocking vents, allowing warm air to circulate freely.
- Maintain Heating Systems: Regular cleaning and inspection by a qualified contractor can keep heating systems running efficiently.
- Insulate and Replace Filters: Insulating hot-water pipes and air ducts in unheated areas, as well as regularly cleaning or replacing furnace filters, can improve efficiency.
- Seasonal Window Shades: Use light-colored window shades in summer to reflect sunlight and dark-colored shades in winter to retain heat.
- Switch to LED Lighting: LED bulbs are up to ten times more energy-efficient than conventional bulbs.
- Unplug Electronics: Devices like computers and TVs consume energy even when turned off; unplugging them when not in use can cut costs.
O&R also offers rebates, incentives, and tax credits for energy-efficient home upgrades, which can further reduce household energy costs.
Rising Winter Energy Costs
Due to the increasing costs of natural gas, O&R projects higher gas and electric bills this winter. According to current forecasts, the average residential gas heating customer using 155 ccf per month will see bills of approximately $231 per month from November 2024 to March 2025—a 6.1% increase from last year. Likewise, residential electric customers using 550 kWh per month may experience a 6.6% increase, bringing their bills to an estimated $147 per month.
O&R attributes these price increases to rising natural gas delivery costs, which are regulated by the New York State Public Service Commission. Although the company does not profit from supply costs, it adopts strategies to lock in lower rates when available to stabilize pricing for customers.
Natural gas remains a primary fuel for electricity generation, meaning that shifts in gas prices affect both gas and electric bills. O&R cautions that severe weather or disruptions in gas transmission could impact supply availability, though supplies are projected to be adequate for the winter season.
O&R will continue to monitor and refine its winter pricing forecast, adapting to international events, economic shifts, and weather patterns to keep customers informed and prepared for the season ahead.
For more information on available programs and energy-saving strategies, customers are encouraged to visit O&R’s website.