Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - National Fuel announced Tuesday rates will go up about 16%, meaning you'll have to pay more to heat your home this winter. What can you do to reduce your usage and control your bill?
"Provided we have a traditional Western New York winter that includes prolonged periods of cold weather and an average snowfall, we are predicting, right now, a 16% increase," said Karen Merkel of National Fuel.
That means that bills will average approximately $135 per-month for a total of $677 for the winter heating season. She says the reason for the higher price forecast is both of those parts are increasing.
"This year we've got higher wholesale natural gas prices, which is the cost National Fuel must pay for the natural gas from suppliers. And then the delivery costs are higher due to factors including necessary investments to maintain a safe, reliable energy system, and then things like inflation, core business cost increases, added workforce costs and investments in new technologies and emissions reduction technologies," adds Merkel.
Merkel says National Fuel cannot control what the commodity price is, the cost of the natural gas itself.
"We pass that along right to our customers based on what we have to pay for it," she said.
As far as the delivery costs, she says National Fuel did get approval for a delivery rate.
"It was the first time we had that in 16 years, that went into effect in January, and we just had another increase this October."
What can you do to keep energy use and bills down? NOCO's Kevin Williams recommends checking your furnace.
"Making sure that you are changing your filters regularly. We usually recommend every three to four months, and then having that tuned up by a local HVAC technician to ensure that system is running safely and effectively," Williams said.
He says savings could be anywhere from 20 to 30% depending on the age of the system and how much it's working and what your family is requiring for your heating requirements.
Williams says insulation is a big one, too.
"Up to 40% of home energy is lost due to poor insulation. The warm inside air is trying to escape, so your furnace is trying to keep up with that, which is increasing your bills, and it's something that is generally ignored or forgotten about. But insulation is a very crucial part in making sure that your consumption of energy staying in your house, and you're keeping that money back in your pocket by reducing that cost," Williams added.
He also says there are quick and easy fixes around your home that can provide cost-savings immediately.
"Set your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise to trap heat inside to keep rooms warmer during cold months. Be sure none of your air vents are blocked by furniture or curtains. Heat your home with help from the sun by leaving curtains and blinds open during the daytime and close them at night to cut down on any chill from the windows," Williams recommended.
Merkel says there's also help for those who need help paying bills.
"We do anticipate that there will be payment assistance funds available, and that's from the Home Energy Assistance Program and an emergency grant. Also statewide discounts on the bill are based on HEAP assistance, then National Fuel. We have our own neighbor for neighbor heat fund as well," Merkel added.
She also recommends budget billing.
"What that does is it helps smooth out seasonal spikes. You pay a consistent monthly amount based on your annual usage," Merkel said.