New York energy costs: Natural gas heating estimated to be cheaper than electric

New analysis and utility forecasts indicate that heating costs in New York may vary significantly depending on the energy source used. An estimate from the Empire Center for Public Policy suggests that heating an average New York home from October through March would cost approximately $790 using natural gas. In comparison, a heat pump is estimated to cost $1,100, while electric resistance heating could reach $3,300.

Zilvinas Silenas, President of the Empire Center, noted that transitioning from natural gas to electric heating could increase household energy bills by hundreds or thousands of dollars. This analysis comes amid policy debates regarding the shift from fossil fuels to electric heating systems. The report highlights that New York residential electricity prices are currently 63 percent above the national average.

Separately, National Grid has advised upstate New York customers to prepare for rising residential electricity costs. Electricity bills are projected to increase by 3% to 5% during the five-month heating season, adding between $22 and $39 to seasonal totals. Conversely, residential natural gas bills are expected to decrease slightly, with a typical customer using 713 therms potentially saving about $9.