NEW YORK, NY — Con Edison expects residential gas heating bills to be about four percent lower this winter compared to last year, due in part to lower costs of natural gas. The utility urges customers to save even more money with the company’s energy efficiency programs.
The average residential gas-heating bill from November to March (based on monthly usage of 170 therms) is expected to be approximately $206 per month, down from $215 last year. The calculation assumes normal weather in both years.
Energy Efficiency Programs
New Yorkers can increase their savings by signing up for Con Edison’s energy efficiency programs or call 1-877-870-6118.
Con Edison’s Level Payment Plan helps customers even out energy bills throughout the year, giving them more control and protection from seasonal cost peaks. HEAP (Home Energy Assistant Program) grants are also available for qualified New York State residents. EnergyShare funds are available for qualified Con Edison customers.
Energy-Saving Tips
For helpful energy-savings tips, customers can check Con Edison’s website. Here are five easy ways to save energy:
1. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal air leaks from window frames, baseboards, electrical outlets, switch plates, air conditioners, and other openings, such as pipes and wiring coming through ceilings, floors, and walls.
2. Keep warm-air vents clean.
3. Keep drapes or furniture away from radiators and baseboard heaters so heat can flow freely.
4. Close doors and warm-air vents in unused rooms, but in extreme cold be aware of water pipes that could freeze and burst.
5. Remove window air conditioners. If you can’t, enclose them with a cover.
Safety Tips
Con Edison wants customers to be safe during the winter and offers these tips:
1. Do not heat rooms with your oven or range. These appliances aren’t designed for heating. Using a range or oven can cause a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
2. Be sure heating and cooking appliances are properly adjusted. Never operate a portable generator indoors.
3. Never extinguish a pilot light. Blowing out the pilot doesn’t stop gas from escaping and can create a dangerous condition.
4. If you smell gas, leave immediately and take others with you. Do not light a match or smoke, turn appliances or lights (including flashlights) on or off, use a phone or start a car. Doing so can produce sparks that might cause the gas to explode.
5. If you smell gas call 911 or 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633). You can report leaks anonymously.
Con Edison has adequate natural gas supplies for its 1.1 million customers in Manhattan, the Bronx, Westchester County and parts of Queens. About 297,000 customers use gas for home heating purposes.
