Orange & Rockland Warns Customers About Upcoming Rate Hikes

by M. C. Millman

In an email sent to customers on Friday afternoon, September 30, Orange& Rockland (O&R) warned customers to "do what you can to prepare now for significantly higher gas and electric bills this winter."

Residential gas customers can expect winter bills to be about 44% more than last winter. Residential electric customers can expect bills that are about 28% higher than last year's.

Some suggestions from O&R on helping with the price surge include the following. 

1. Spread payments evenly across the year

Budget Billing allows customers to avoid large month-to-month changes in energy costs.

2. Consider a payment agreement

A payment agreement helps pay down an outstanding balance in manageable monthly installments.

3. Check for benefits

Find information about governmental assistance programs, such as Medicaid or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Customers enrolled in assistance programs may be eligible for discounts on their energy bills through our Energy Affordability Program.

4. Go energy efficient

Upgrade lights, thermostats, and other appliances through O&R's Marketplace Rebates and Savings, exclusive to O&R customers.

5. Manage usage

Register for My Account via oru.com or our mobile app for an in-depth look at your hourly energy usage.

6. Get customized tips

O&R's Home Energy Analysis tool can give personalized tips and suggestions to help improve efficiency and control costs all year long.

7. Avoid peak hours

By consistently limiting electricity use during peak hours, customers might be able to save money by switching to O&R's Time-of-Use rate billing option.

8. Choose an energy supplier

Orange & Rockland does not generate energy; it provides customers energy at the same wholesale rate it pays for it and doesn't profit on supply costs. Customers can research and choose another supplier and get tips for evaluating choices.