Utility bills increasing. How to save on heating costs in New England.
Even if temperatures dip into the 30s on some nights, a record number of New Englanders could falter to turn on the heat due to rising energy costs plaguing the region this coming winter.
The National Energy Assistance Directors Association said US households could pay 17% more to heat their homes this winter — $22 billion more in heating bills this winter than in the 2021-2022 season. In New England, an area of the country largely dependent on imported natural gas, those costs are expected to be even higher.
According to the association, natural gas for heating is expected to increase by 34% on average for households nationwide. The cost of heating oil could increase by up to 13% and propane by up to 15%.
![With global demand for natural gas, home heating bills are set to skyrocket across New England this winter.](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/09/27/PROC/188bee61-9235-4f9a-93e4-1fe04027c7a0-GettyImages-1350713242.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
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Last month, the New England energy sector convened in Burlington, Vermont, for a forum hosted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission about the spin cycle the region finds itself in each winter — looming power outages during prolonged cold spells coupled with soaring bills.
Here are ways New Englanders can try to save a few dollars on heating bills this winter, as well as energy efficiency programs offered by utility companies.
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5 ways to save on heating bills in New England this winter
Here are some tips from the US Department of Energy and various New England utilities on how to keep heating bills down in your home this winter.
- Thicker curtains can help keep your home warmer. Open them during the day to naturally heat your home with sunlight and close them at night to keep the heat inside.
- Use a programmable thermostat to keep your heat at a specific level while you’re sleeping or away. According to the US Department of Energy, you can save 10% on your energy bill by turning your thermostat down to 10 to 15 degrees eight hours a day.
- Consider airtight sealing your home and insulating your walls and attic to retain heat. According to the US Department of Energy, 25% of heat is lost through cracks and holes.
- Weatherstrips around doors and windows to prevent heat from escaping. Lock your windows and exterior doors to keep drafts out.
- Replace your furnace filter every three months to reduce energy requirements and improve the heating process.
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These programs can help you save on heating bills this New England winter
Mass Save – an initiative sponsored by Massachusetts natural gas, electric and energy efficiency companies Berkshire Gas, Cape Light Compact, Eversource, Liberty Utilities, National Grid and Unitil – offers free energy assessments for 1-4 unit homes.
Mass Save Home Energy Assessments connect you with an energy specialist who can identify energy saving opportunities, recommend free energy saving products delivered right to your door, and give you access to Mass Save rebates and incentives to get recommended long-term energy-savings Upgrades for your home.
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![A row of NSTAR electric meters at a condominium complex in Natick, MA, May 17, 2022.](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/05/17/NPRJ/b639d046-e9a9-403c-95d2-48261baba5f6-9792563002p_NAT_meter2.jpg?width=660&height=483&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
In New Hampshire, NHSaves — a collaboration of the state’s electric and natural gas utilities — offers a range of energy-saving opportunities such as virtual energy assessments for commercial building owners, rebates and energy audits, and weathering.
Rhode Island Energy offers advanced power strips, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and programmable thermostats as part of its residential energy footprint. Based on their home appraisal, Rhode Island Energy customers may also be eligible for 50% or more rebates on approved insulation upgrades and targeted air sealing.
Heating Assistance: Weathering assistance program for low-income New England households
If you live in a 1-4 unit home and meet income eligibility requirements, 100% of the cost of weathering your home can be covered – including airtightness, insulation and energy efficient heating units.
Customers who qualify for fuel assistance, electrical assistance, or subsidized housing are eligible for the Federal Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides weather protection services to approximately 35,000 homes each year with funding from the US Department of Energy.
Most Weatherization Assistance Program funds are distributed through local Community Action Agencies.