Why will my gas bill increase if natural gas prices are lower?

Your gas bill will increase due to higher delivery costs approved by the state, which cover the maintenance and operation of the energy network, despite lower commodity prices for natural gas.

Are there programs to help with energy costs?

Yes, New York offers state programs such as the Home Energy Assistance Program and provides nearly $300 million in bill discounts for downstate National Grid customers.

National Grid Customers in NYC to Face Higher Gas Bills This Winter

Delivery costs, approved by the state in 2024, are the primary driver of the increase, despite lower commodity prices.

2026-10-14 · Updated 2026-10-14

National Grid customers in parts of Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island can expect an increase in their natural gas bills this winter. Approximately 1.2 million customers will see their bills rise by an average of $87 over five months, from November through March, compared to last year.

While the cost of natural gas itself is projected to be lower this winter than in the previous year, the overall bill increase is attributed to higher delivery costs. These delivery costs, which cover the maintenance and operation of the gas network, were approved by the state in 2024 and are set to increase by an average of $211 over the same five-month period.

National Grid spokesperson Brian Sapp noted that these figures are approximate and subject to change based on weather conditions and energy usage. He recalled that last winter's colder-than-normal temperatures led to higher-than-forecasted bills due to increased consumption.

Customers on Long Island and the Rockaways will experience a smaller average increase of $5 for the entire winter season. This is because the delivery charges for the roughly 570,000 customers in these areas will rise by a more modest $125 over the season.

These delivery charge increases are part of a rate process overseen by the state's Public Service Commission and include costs for upgrading aging infrastructure and expanding capacity. For customers facing financial difficulties, National Grid New York President Matt Barnett highlighted state programs like the Home Energy Assistance Program, which opens next month, and nearly $300 million in available bill discounts for downstate customers.

FAQ

Why will my gas bill increase if natural gas prices are lower?: Your gas bill will increase due to higher delivery costs approved by the state, which cover the maintenance and operation of the energy network, despite lower commodity prices for natural gas.
Are there programs to help with energy costs?: Yes, New York offers state programs such as the Home Energy Assistance Program and provides nearly $300 million in bill discounts for downstate National Grid customers.