Courtesy of WRCR.
You likely will see your electric bill going up. That’s the warning from Orange and Rockland Utilities, which is warning customers that market prices for electricity and natural gas are expected to be substantially higher this fall and winter. Spokesman Mike Donovan says customers across the Northeast are in the same boat, as increases in the market cost of natural gas are affecting market costs of electricity…
Meanwhile, the county is looking to get rid of the energy sales tax. Rockland County Executive Ed Day says residents would save about $10 million in energy sales taxes once the legislature votes on the resolution that’s already been approved by the Budget and Finance committee…
The full legislature could vote on the matter tomorrow. If it passes it then goes to the County Executive for approval, and then sent to the New York State Department of Taxation. Now, you don’t have to wait for legislative action to save on your heating bills. O&R’s Donovan says customers can take some steps to cushion the blow a bit, by implementing a few cost-saving tips, including keeping your thermostat set at the lowest temperature at which you are comfortable and safe; and making sure heating vents aren’t blocked by furniture, carpeting or anything else that could obstruct the flow of heat; have a qualified contractor clean and inspect your heating system; and replace conventional light bulbs with LED bulbs, which are up to 10 times more efficient. For more information and cost-saving ideas and rebates, visit O&R’s web site at www.ORU.com.