National Grid Bills in NY Skyrocket This Winter

Soaring wholesale prices for electricity and gas drive up costs for Upstate New York households

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:18am

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A geometric abstract illustration using bold shapes and primary colors to conceptually represent the rising costs of electricity and natural gas in Upstate New York.Soaring utility bills put a financial squeeze on Upstate New York families this winter.NYC Today

Upstate New York households can expect to pay over $360 for their National Grid bills in February 2026, a 26% increase compared to the previous year. The main drivers are rising wholesale prices for electricity and natural gas, as well as a recent state-approved rate hike. Customers will see their natural gas bills rise by about $52 and electric bills increase by around $23 on average.

Why it matters

The steep rise in utility bills will put a significant financial strain on many Upstate New York families, especially those on fixed or limited incomes. It highlights the vulnerability of the region to volatile energy markets and the need for long-term solutions to address energy affordability and sustainability.

The details

The higher bills are primarily due to a 45% increase in the per-therm cost of natural gas supply, which is the main heating fuel in New York, as well as a 29% rise in the per-kilowatt-hour cost of electric supply. National Grid will be charging around 70 cents per therm for natural gas and 12 cents per kWh for electricity in February. On top of the supply price hikes, the state-approved increases in National Grid's delivery rates that took effect in September will also contribute to the higher February bills.

  • The average Upstate household with gas and electric service can expect to pay over $360 for the month of February 2026.
  • Bills for November through January were already $120 higher than the previous winter.
  • If the cold weather continues through most of February, bills could skyrocket even higher due to increased usage.

The players

National Grid

A major utility company that provides electricity and natural gas to customers in Upstate New York.

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What’s next

The state public service commission will likely face pressure from consumers and advocacy groups to investigate the rate hikes and explore ways to provide relief or long-term solutions to address energy affordability in the region.

The takeaway

The skyrocketing National Grid bills in Upstate New York this winter underscore the vulnerability of households to volatile energy markets and the need for policymakers to find sustainable solutions to make utility costs more manageable for families, especially those with limited means.