National Grid customers in parts of New York City will see their natural gas bills increase this winter.

Bills for approximately 1.2 million customers in parts of Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island will rise by an average of $87 over five months this coming winter compared to last year, the utility said on Wednesday.

While this season's gas prices are expected to be lower compared to a year ago, the bigger bill – which will cover November through March – is due to higher delivery costs. Those costs, which the state approved in 2024, are due to go up by an average of $211 over the same period.

National Grid spokesperson Brian Sapp reminded customers that those numbers were not set in stone.

“ Because energy costs and use are impacted by weather conditions, we want to remind everyone that the forecasted figures we are providing today are approximate and based on a current snapshot in time,” Sapp said.

For example, last year's temperatures were “much colder than normal, leading to greater usage and higher than forecasted bills,” Sapp said. The coming winter is expected to be less frigid, according to the National Weather Service.

Long Island and Rockaway customers will see a smaller increase of $5 on average for the entire winter season. That’s because delivery charges for the approximately 570,000 customers in those service areas are set to increase by just $125 over the course of the season, compared to a year ago.

Delivery charges cover the cost of maintaining and operating the energy network that delivers gas to homes and businesses. These costs are governed by a rate process through the state’s Public Service Commission. National Grid’s rate increases also include the cost of upgrading its aging infrastructure and expanding capacity.

For New Yorkers struggling to keep up with rising energy prices, there are state programs that offset the costs. Downstate National Grid customers have access to nearly $300 million in bill discounts. New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program opens next month.

"We know energy affordability is a primary concern for so many families and businesses we serve," said National Grid New York President Matt Barnett. "We want any customer who needs assistance to contact us to find a solution that works for them.”

Gas supply charges reflect the actual cost of natural gas, charged to customers without a markup. Sapp said the decreased costs are the result of securing advanced supply at fixed prices ahead of the season. During peak demand, prices suddenly and sharply increase. Buying up stores ahead of unforeseen demand insulates customers from market volatility.

Richard Meyer, the vice president of energy markets, analysis and standards at the American Gas Association, said U.S. natural gas production is at an "all-time record" – roughly 4% above last year – while prices are down 24% from last winter.

“We're seeing commodity prices to be lower this winter than what we saw last year,” Meyer said.