No matter where prices go or what the heating season is like, you can make the most of your energy dollars by taking basic steps to reduce your usage. The less fuel you use to heat your home, the more you will save.
How to Control Your Heating Costs
Conserve Energy
This winter, you can reduce your home heating costs 10-50% by maintaining your heating system, insulating your home, sealing leaks and adjusting your thermostat settings. You can follow the simple, affordable steps outlined in this checklist to save energy and money during the heating season.
Consider Bill Payment Options, Financial Assistance and Energy Efficiency Programs
You or someone you know may need financial help to get through this heating season. Various bill payment options and financial assistance programs are available.
Payment options from your utility include:
Budget Plans - which provide equal monthly payments
Deferred Payment Agreements - which may be available if you have fallen behind on your bill and cannot pay in full.
Financial assistance and energy efficiency programs are also available to help consumers with their heating costs. The printable financial assistance chart lists government programs that provide assistance in paying or reducing utility expenses. Additional programs may also be available through your utility or through community-based energy services programs.
New York's Natural Gas Outlook
The U.S.Department of Energy anticipates that nationally, natural gas and propane prices are expected to be down slightly this winter. Over the last five years prices have risen 60% and this year's home heating costs will still be historically high. The natural gas outlook fact sheet explains New York’s natural gas outlook for the 2007-08 heating season, the factors that affect the price of natural gas and how these impact your gas bill.
