Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
National Grid customers in NYC will see higher gas bills this winter
By
Rosemary Misdary
Published Oct 14, 2026
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Erik McGregor/LightRocket via Getty Images
By
Rosemary Misdary
Published Oct 14, 2026
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
National Grid customers in parts of New York City will see their natural gas bills increase this winter.
Bills for approximately 1.2 million customers in parts of Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island will rise by an average of $87 over five months this coming winter compared to last year, the utility said on Wednesday.
While this season's gas prices are expected to be lower compared to a year ago, the bigger bill – which will cover November through March – is due to higher delivery costs. Those costs, which the state approved in 2024, are due to go up by an average of $211 over the same period.
National Grid spokesperson Brian Sapp reminded customers that those numbers were not set in stone.
“ Because energy costs and use are impacted by weather conditions, we want to remind everyone that the forecasted figures we are providing today are approximate and based on a current snapshot in time,” Sapp said.
For example, last year's temperatures were “much colder than normal, leading to greater usage and higher than forecasted bills,” Sapp said. The coming winter is expected to be less frigid, according to the National Weather Service.
Long Island and Rockaway customers will see a smaller increase of $5 on average for the entire winter season. That’s because delivery charges for the approximately 570,000 customers in those service areas are set to increase by just $125 over the course of the season, compared to a year ago.
Delivery charges cover the cost of maintaining and operating the energy network that delivers gas to homes and businesses. These costs are governed by a rate process through the state’s Public Service Commission. National Grid’s rate increases also include the cost of upgrading its aging infrastructure and expanding capacity.
For New Yorkers struggling to keep up with rising energy prices, there are state programs that offset the costs. Downstate National Grid customers have access to nearly $300 million in bill discounts. New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program opens next month.
"We know energy affordability is a primary concern for so many families and businesses we serve," said National Grid New York President Matt Barnett. "We want any customer who needs assistance to contact us to find a solution that works for them.”
Gas supply charges reflect the actual cost of natural gas, charged to customers without a markup. Sapp said the decreased costs are the result of securing advanced supply at fixed prices ahead of the season. During peak demand, prices suddenly and sharply increase. Buying up stores ahead of unforeseen demand insulates customers from market volatility.
Richard Meyer, the vice president of energy markets, analysis and standards at the American Gas Association, said U.S. natural gas production is at an "all-time record" – roughly 4% above last year – while prices are down 24% from last winter.
“We're seeing commodity prices to be lower this winter than what we saw last year,” Meyer said.
Tagged
Politics
energy
news
Rosemary Misdary
Rosemary is health & science reporter. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or Signal 646-544-9524.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Early Addition: NYC comptroller backs off investing city pension funds in Israel bonds
Because Mark Levine pledged to make the investment during his campaign, here are your early links: A mini T-Rex skeleton on display at Sotheby's, New Yorkers love a fancy bird, excellent chalupas in Corona and more.
By
James Ramsay
Published Oct 15, 2026 at 8:34 a.m. ET
NYPD investigating after 5-year-old Queens girl found dead
Police responded to a call from her mother after an assault.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
News
NYPD investigating after 5-year-old Queens girl found dead
Police responded to a call from her mother after an assault.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Hochul, Blakeman offer opposing visions for jobs to stem New York exodus
By
Jimmy Vielkind
Hannah-Jones, NYC schools chancellor set to speak at high-stakes integration town hall
By
Jessica Gould
Queens man found dead, police say, and injured woman is his mother, neighbors say
By
Charles Lane
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .