Frigid temperatures are gripping New York City, marking what might be the longest cold spell since 2003. The mercury has remained below freezing since last Friday.
This chill is anticipated to stretch until Monday, bringing with it a prolonged period of cold, which could significantly impact your heating bills.
“With this persistent cold, rising heating costs are pretty much a given,” said home care expert Scott Grillo. “When temperatures drop below freezing, heating systems have to work overtime, especially at night, driving up those bills.”
As projected by the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), heating costs are expected to rise by approximately 9.2% nationwide this winter. Households are expected to fork out an average of around $995 for heating this winter.
However, in New York and the neighboring areas enduring this historic cold snap, costs could surge even higher.
The New York State Department of Public Service noted that it’s challenging to estimate the exact increases at this stage. Still, they confirmed that “as of January 28, temperatures have been 10% lower than usual since November 1, likely increasing energy usage and costs.”
Con Edison hasn’t responded to inquiries regarding potential gas pricing adjustments.
For a clearer picture of the financial impact from the weather, The Post analyzed the colder conditions.
Current heating oil prices are averaging $3.84 per gallon as of January 19, according to New York State data. Typically, on mild winter days, about two gallons of heating oil can adequately warm a home between 2,000 and 2,500 square feet, costing about $7.68. In contrast, during severe cold, that same house might need around 8 gallons each day, leading to costs of approximately $30.72—a daily increase of $23.04.
If this cold spell persists for 12 days, that could mean an additional outlay of around $276.48 for heating oil.
In Manhattan, heating oil prices were higher, averaging $3.97 per gallon. Thus, using 8 gallons a day would result in daily costs of $31.76, summing up to about $381.12 over 12 days.
Propane costs are similarly affected. Propane is averaging $3.40 per gallon recently, meaning households may also need around 8 gallons per day during such cold. If this cold stretch lasts, it could lead to an added expense of about $326.40.
Using electric heaters, however, can create a hefty bill. Operating a standard 1,500-watt space heater continuously would cost a New Yorker about $9.11 a day—totalling around $109.32 for 12 days of extreme cold.
Amidst these rising expenses, some individuals are braving the cold without adequate heating. One Upper West Side resident, Kate B., struggled without heat after Winter Storm Fern, relying on blankets and a space heater.
“I was really frustrated with my landlord’s lack of response,” she shared. “When I said I wouldn’t renew my lease due to the heating issue, they admitted it was serious and promised to fix it. Yet here we are, still waiting for action.”
Although her landlord provided a heater, she feels uneasy using it, especially during the night.
Grillo advised keeping space heaters at a safe distance from flammable materials and ensuring they’re not left unattended.
For Kate, the challenge is maximizing her only source of heat. “I had to get creative, situating it on some shoe racks to get it to reach me in bed,” she recounted with a touch of humor. “But it works… sort of.”
Interestingly, she chose not to contact housing authorities, considering a move in the near future. “I’m ready to get out of here,” she remarked.
Fortunately, she’s lined up a stay at a heated hotel for the frigid weekend.
On the bright side, Grillo offered tips for staying warm and reducing heating bills. “Simple tweaks can make a big difference,” he suggested. “Adjusting the thermostat slightly, blocking drafts, using curtains in the evening, and dressing warmly can all save some money.”
He also emphasized the importance of keeping entryways tidy, as snow or slush can make the interior colder and force up the heating demands.
Keeping warm and managing costs can go hand-in-hand—it’s just about knowing a few tricks.
