Upstate New York – October 14, 2026 -- A typical Upstate New York residential gas customer using 713 therms is expected to pay about $9 less this winter heating season, Nov. 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027, than last winter, according to National Grid. Electric bills are forecast to climb 3-5 percent, or $22-$39 over the five months, depending on the region.
Forecast rests on September data and normal weather
The estimates use market information available at the end of September and assume typical winter weather. Individual bills will vary with temperatures, household energy use and market conditions during the season.
Bills have two main parts. Supply charges reflect wholesale natural gas costs, which National Grid says it passes through without markup. Delivery charges cover the network, including a 24/7 workforce, repairs, storm response and system upgrades. To limit price swings, the utility stores natural gas and locks in a portion of its supply at fixed prices in advance.
Gas versus other fuels, per the American Gas Association
A 2023 American Gas Association report puts the annual bill for a typical single-family home using natural gas about 53% below a comparable home using heating oil and 46% below one using propane. A September 2026 AGA white paper says households using gas for heating, cooking and clothes drying save an average of $1,030 a year compared with homes using non-heat pump electric systems for the same needs.
Five assistance programs target income-eligible customers
National Grid's current Upstate rate plan provides more than $290 million in discounts for income-eligible and vulnerable customers. In 2026, nearly 170,000 customers received almost $50 million in credits. Options include:
- HEAP: grants that do not need to be repaid, available through local departments of social services.
- Enhanced Energy Affordability Program: a monthly credit for customers who do not qualify for HEAP and have household income at or below the state median.
- National Grid's Energy Affordability Program: monthly gas and electric credits for eligible customers.
- NYSERDA's EmPower+ program: free home energy assessments plus improvements such as insulation, efficient lighting and appliance upgrades.
- Care & Share Energy Fund: heating-bill grants for customers who meet HEAP income guidelines, opening in February 2027.
Customers can also enroll in the Budget Plan to spread costs through the year or call 1-800-642-4272. In 2026, National Grid Consumer Advocates attended more than 430 customer events and assisted nearly 19,000 households across Upstate New York.
Small fixes carry specific savings figures
National Grid says each degree of thermostat setback may save 1% to 3% on annual heating costs, and a properly used smart thermostat can save 10% on heating and cooling. Sealing drafts may save 15% annually, and unplugging idle electronics can save up to 10% per year.
Swapping five incandescent bulbs for LEDs may save more than $11 a month, and an average household could save about $225 a year with LED lighting. Fixing leaky faucets can save $20 a month in lost water. The utility also advises servicing heating systems annually and cleaning or replacing filters monthly during the heating season.