Brace yourself, Long Island residents: your energy and heating bills are about to take another hit. For the second month in a row, costs are climbing, leaving many wondering how they’ll keep up. But here’s where it gets even more concerning: the culprit isn’t just the usual winter chill—it’s a perfect storm of prolonged cold weather and skyrocketing natural gas prices.
This month, energy charges tied to natural gas are surging by 13% for electricity and a staggering 29% for gas. Why? A relentless cold snap has driven up demand while supplies remain tight. And this is the part most people miss: nearly half of your bill is made up of the power supply portion (for electricity) and the supply cost (for gas). So, the more you use, the more you’ll feel the pinch.
Let’s break it down. PSEG Long Island’s power supply charge—which covers natural gas used to fuel power plants—jumped 13% in February compared to January. Meanwhile, National Grid’s gas supply costs leaped 29% in the same period. To put it in perspective, the February 2026 gas charge is a whopping 67% higher than it was in February 2025. These aren’t just numbers; they’re real dollars out of your pocket.
But it’s not just gas. Electricity rates are climbing too. The February power supply charge of 14.69 cents per kilowatt-hour is 22% higher than last year. And while LIPA (Long Island Power Authority) had projected bills to be $6 lower this year, those estimates now seem overly optimistic. Last year, they underestimated power supply charges by over $200 million—a mistake that’s still costing ratepayers today.
Here’s the controversial part: LIPA claims they’re doing everything possible to minimize the impact, but critics like Fred Harrison, a Merrick ratepayer and activist, argue that their projections were never credible. “Even when they announced lower rates, natural gas prices were clearly rising,” Harrison points out. “Their estimates were based on unrealistic assumptions about gas prices and energy usage.”
It’s not just electricity and gas customers feeling the heat. Home heating oil prices are also volatile, with a gallon jumping 5.4% last week to $4.11. While that’s slightly lower than last year’s $4.15, it’s still a significant burden for many families.
So, what’s next? LIPA and National Grid have both increased delivery charges this year, adding to the financial strain. National Grid’s hike is part of a three-year rate increase approved by the state, while LIPA’s was greenlit by its board. Interestingly, LIPA’s delivery rates only face a Public Service Commission (PSC) review if their revenue requirement exceeds 2.5%—a threshold they’ve managed to avoid for a decade by adjusting other bill components.
As we navigate these rising costs, it’s worth asking: Are utility companies doing enough to protect ratepayers? Or are their projections and policies setting us up for more financial shocks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation we all need to have.
