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What’s Driving Your Energy Bill

If your energy bill feels higher than expected lately, you’re not alone. The cost of natural gas is rising due to increased demand competing for a restricted supply.

Utilities don’t mark up gas supply costs. They pass them along to the customer dollar for dollar. Taxes and other state-mandated programs wrapped into delivery fees also impact the total you see in your bill.

Taking a closer look at how the different pieces of a utility bill fit together can help you understand what’s really driving energy costs in New York.


infographic of utility costs

The Cost of Natural Gas

What to Know

  • ~50% of your bill is the cost
    of natural gas itself.
  • This cost fluctuates based on
    market supply and demand.
  • Demand can rise during cold weather
    or periods of high electricity use.
  • Utilities don’t profit from this cost—
    it’s passed directly to customers.

The Cost to Deliver Energy

What to Know

  • ~15% Infrastructure:
    Using and maintaining a 10,000-mile natural gas distribution system.
  • ~10% Labor & Operations:
    Employing skilled local workers who operate and maintain the system.
  • ~10% Taxes & Government Fees:
    Property, sales, and other taxes.
  • ~5% State Programs:
    Mandated programs such as those for energy efficiency.
  • ~10% Interest & Return on Investment:
    Financing costs related to the $1 billion system investment.

The Public Service Commission regulates how much profit utilities can earn. For National Fuel, that amounts to about 7 cents for every dollar billed.

National Fuel also invests more than $100 million each year to maintain and modernize its natural gas system so it can safely and reliably serve customers through harsh Western New York winters. From time to time, those investments require adjustments to delivery rates. National Fuel has sought an increase in its delivery rates just twice over the last 18 years and has the lowest rates in all of New York State. Energy costs are influenced by a number of factors, from supply and demand to public policy decisions. While utilities are responsible for delivering energy safely and reliably, many of the costs that make up your bill are shaped by broader forces. That's why understanding what's in your bill matters. It provides a clearer, more complete picture of where your energy dollars go.