# New York residential energy cost debates > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-york-residential-energy-cost-debates > Updated: 2026-10-20T19:16:06.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. Analysis of energy costs in New York indicates that natural gas heating is significantly more affordable than electric alternatives. Estimates from the Empire Center for Public Policy suggest that heating a home from October through March could cost approximately $790 with natural gas, compared to $1,100 for heat pumps and up to $3,300 for electric resistance heating. This disparity is compounded by residential electricity prices in the state being 63 percent above the national average. National Grid has also projected rising electricity costs for upstate New York customers, with bills expected to increase by 3% to 5% during the heating season. In response to these economic pressures, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, supported by former Governor George Pataki, has proposed extracting New York’s natural gas reserves to lower utility bills. Blakeman criticized current green energy policies, arguing that a reliance on wind and solar is “bankrupting” residents, while Pataki advocated for a balanced energy approach to prevent excessive costs driven by ideology. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-20: Bruce Blakeman proposes natural gas extraction to lower NY energy costs Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman and former Governor George Pataki are calling for New York to tap its natural gas reserves to lower soaring energy bills. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bruce-blakeman-proposes-natural-gas-extraction-to-lower-ny-energy-costs ### 2026-10-17: New York energy costs: Natural gas heating estimated to be cheaper than electric New York residents face diverging energy costs as natural gas heating is estimated to be cheaper than electric alternatives, while National Grid forecasts rising winter electricity bills. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-energy-costs-natural-gas-heating-estimated-to-be-cheaper-than-electric --- Cite as: New York residential energy cost debates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-york-residential-energy-cost-debates