National Grid blames supply chain issues for increased heating costs

Get ready to dig a little deeper to stay warm this winter.

Home heating bills are expected to increase by 32%, compared to last year.

Powering the heat in your home is directly related to supply chain issues. Hurricane Ida is one reason for that, since National Grid gets some of its gas from the Gulf area.

The company tries to buy gas when it’s cheap during the summer months and store it until customers need it. However, this year, it says that hasn’t helped prices much. You can expect to pay about $31 more per month than last year. National Grid says the extra costs on your bill are out of their control.

They explained to us that there are two parts of your electric and heating bill, a delivery charge and a supply charge. The delivery charge pays for crews to maintain and fix your service. National Grid says that isn’t changing, at least until 2022.

What is changing is the supply cost, which is something the company says isn’t set by them.

"The supply charge is really, it’s a pass through. We purchase the commodity of natural gas or electricity for our customers, and then we pass that on to customers without any markup. It’s just straight, we don’t make any profit on that," said Stella.

There is assistance available for people wondering how they’re going to keep the heat on this winter.

He says to check out the resources on their website and get connected before winter starts.

MORE INFORMATION: Heating assistance (National Grid) | Heating Assistance Tips from National Grid | Energy saving tips at home from National Grid