Expect higher utility bills this winter, says O&R

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PEARL RIVER – Orange & Rockland Utilities is urging its natural gas and electric customers to use energy efficiently this winter with bills projected to be higher than last winter.

  The increase is due mainly to higher natural gas supply costs for both natural gas and electric customers as natural gas is one of the main fuels that power the production of electricity.

  O&R notes it does not set supply costs and does not make a profit on the supply. The company analyzes supply and demand forecasts and uses a variety of buying methods, including short-term and long-term contracts, to get the best natural gas prices for its customers. O&R provides the commodity to customers at cost.

  The cost of natural gas has increased as the demand for the commodity has increased, exports have increased, and severe weather has hindered production in the Gulf of Mexico area. These and other factors have caused a decline in the amount of gas in storage in the United States, the utility said.

  Based on comparing the forecasted winter 2021-2022 to the prior three-year average of bills, the following would be the increase:

  A residential customer using on average 600 kWh per winter month will see an average monthly bill increase from $122.97 to $144.20, or 17.3 percent as compared to the average of the prior three winters. 

  A residential customer using on average 177 Ccf per winter month will see an average monthly bill increase from $232.52 to $273.92, or 17.8 percent as compared to the average of the prior three winters.

  The key to controlling home energy costs is managing usage. That becomes more important with costs rising, the company advises.

  To help O&R’s natural gas and electric customers further manage their winter energy costs, O&R suggests that a qualified heating contractor or plumber clean and inspect your heating system before winter sets in. 

  Taking steps to tighten up insulation by using weather-stripping at all attic stairwells and access points and stopping cold air infiltration from electric switch and plug outlets by using draft blockers can also pay off.

   In addition, double-checking all points where heat enters a room to make sure, draperies, furniture or other obstacles do not interfere with the free flow of heat is a practical, easy way to help.




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