National Grid Customers Can Cut Heating Costs This Winter with Energy Efficiency Programs

ALBANY, NY (10/07/2010)(readMedia)-- This winter heating season, National Grid reminds everyone that natural gas is the best heating source for upstate New York residents because of its convenience, comfort and comparable environmental benefits. Natural gas burns clean and can increase energy efficiency by up to 30 percent compared to other heating sources.

"At this time of year, many people are thinking about ways to warm their homes for the winter heating season," said Susan M. Crossett, Vice President - Economic Development/Community Investment for National Grid. "Natural gas is a clean burning, versatile fuel that is an excellent heating choice in upstate New York."

Current market conditions suggest the cost of winter heating bills for National Grid customers in upstate New York will remain relatively stable with a slight increase over last year. At last year's commodity prices, a typical residential customer who would ordinarily use about 712 therms during a normal heating season (November to March) would have paid about $730 during the five-month period. At this winter's projected commodity prices, the same amount of usage would cost $760, up approximately 4 percent or about $28.

The company cautions that customer bills can also be impacted by weather conditions. If temperatures fall below average levels, customers may use more natural gas. In the end, market prices, a customer's natural gas usage and weather will determine actual costs.

There are two components of a customer's natural gas bill – supply and delivery costs. Delivery prices reflect the costs to bring the gas directly to customers, maintain the local gas network and provide emergency response and customer service. Supply costs include the cost of the commodity itself that is passed on directly to our customers without markup.

In addition to choosing natural gas as a fuel source, conservation can also help lessen our environmental impact. National Grid has recently embarked on a campaign that urges customers to make a pledge to use three percent less energy every year for the next ten years.

The cornerstone of the three percent less campaign is an interactive website, www.powerofaction.com, where visitors can sign a pledge; participate in a free energy evaluation; and learn ways to reduce their energy consumption by:

• Implementing simple low-cost or no-cost energy conservation methods

• Converting from oil to gas heat

• Taking advantage of National Grid energy efficiency programs in their region

National Grid has a 20-year track record of successful, award-winning efficiency programs in the U.S., many available to upstate New York customers. Current natural gas efficiency programs include incentives for installation of high-efficiency, space heating and water heating equipment; rebates for specific Energy Star products used to decrease natural gas use; and a high-efficiency heating and water heating program for commercial customers.

National Grid energy efficiency programs are available to residential and commercial customers and range from rebates for investment in efficient appliances to efficiency tips and information. Some of these programs include:

• A refrigerator recycling program where the company will come to the customer's home, pick up the older, second-refrigerator and pay customers $30. By getting rid of an older, second refrigerator, customers can save up to $150 on their energy costs each year.

• Cash rebates that are available for the installation of qualifying:

o Energy Star programmable thermostats

o Outdoor boiler reset controls

o High-efficiency boilers and heaters

o High-efficiency water heaters

o Duct and air sealing

o ECM furnace fans

o Energy Star Windows

o Duct and air sealing

National Grid also continues to collaborate with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). NYSERDA offers the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program, which takes a 'whole-house' approach to saving energy in one- to four-family homes. Participating contractors, accredited by the Building Performance Institute, provide a comprehensive home assessment, make recommendations for energy improvements.

Detailed information on all of National Grid's energy efficiency programs and additional efficiency tips can be found at www.powerofaction.com. National Grid continues to communicate its energy-efficiency messages to customers through bill newsletters, customer meetings, media interviews, web site information, news releases, public meetings and mailings. Customers who may have concerns about their ability to pay their bill are urged to call National Grid at 1-800-642-4272 as soon as possible. The sooner a customer calls, the easier it is for the company to assist them.

Steps customers should consider include:

• Energy Conservation – This would include installing sufficient insulation and weather stripping and having appliances inspected – especially furnaces and water heaters. It also includes changing furnace filters regularly and considering purchasing a programmable thermostat.

• Billing Options – National Grid's budget plan is a convenient payment option that helps to spread payments out more evenly across the year. This is particularly helpful to individuals on fixed incomes.

• Applying for special assistance programs – Help is available for customers who have difficulty paying their heating bills. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides financial assistance to income-eligible applicants. Households receiving public assistance, Supplemental Security Income or food stamps are the most likely to be eligible for LIHEAP. This federal program opens in November and is available on a first-come, first-served basis to all utility customers. Customers who believe they may qualify are urged to call the New York State Office for the Aging in their county or their county Department of Social Services for more information.

• Replacing aging appliances – Newer natural gas furnaces use fuel more efficiently. High-efficiency units may cost more to buy, but they will save money in the long run, and now with National Grid's rebate program, are more affordable.

• Reducing energy use by up to 40 percent through NYSERDA– NYSERDA's Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program offers assistance to help improve a home's energy efficiency. Financial incentives and special financing options are available. For more information, visit www.GetEnergySmart.org or call 1-877-NY-SMART.

• Visiting www.powerofaction.com -- For energy saving tips, rebates, a list of qualified energy services companies and much more, visit National Grid's web site or call us at 1-800-642-4272.

National Grid is an international energy delivery company. In the U.S., National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island, and manages the electricity network on Long Island under an agreement with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the northeastern U.S., serving approximately 3.4 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island. National Grid also owns over 4,000 megawatts of contracted electricity generation that provides power to over one million LIPA customers.

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