Long Island residents are seeing energy bills climb for the second consecutive month this winter, driven by a combination of weather conditions and utility forecasting challenges. While the prolonged cold snap has played a significant role, questions about projection accuracy and rate policies are also part of the picture.

The February increases are substantial: PSEG Long Island’s power supply charges rose 13%, while National Grid’s natural gas costs increased 29%. Natural gas now costs 96.23 cents per therm, which is 67% higher than last February and the highest level since September 2022. These increases come despite LIPA’s projection that bills would average about $6 lower this year, based on expectations of reduced usage and lower power plant purchases.

The gap between projections and reality isn’t new. Last year, LIPA under-projected power supply charges by more than $200 million. Both LIPA and National Grid also implemented delivery rate increases this year, with LIPA having not undergone a full Public Service Commission rate review in a decade.

The cold weather has constrained natural gas supplies and increased demand. However, the combination of weather volatility, utility forecasting accuracy, and rate structure decisions all contribute to the financial impact on Long Island households.

Read the full story: Long Island energy, heating costs expected to rise again this month

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