As winter approaches, Orange & Rockland Utilities (O&R) is preparing for colder temperatures and severe weather with major electric infrastructure upgrades, expanded natural gas safety measures, and new programs designed to help customers manage their energy bills.

The utility announced Thursday that it is continuing several multimillion-dollar projects across Rockland and Orange counties aimed at improving reliability, increasing electric capacity, and protecting critical infrastructure from snow, ice, and high winds.

“Delivering resilient power through freezing conditions takes year-round preparation and targeted system upgrades,” said Won Choe, vice president of Operations at Orange & Rockland. “As we fortify our infrastructure against winter weather, we remain equally focused on helping our customers manage their household budgets with bill assistance and energy-saving tools.”

Major Projects Underway in Rockland County

Among the largest improvements is the $76 million Transmission Line 705 project in Clarkstown, which involves installing approximately 5.5 miles of new underground electric transmission cable.

The project, expected to be fully installed by early 2027, will provide additional electric capacity to southern Rockland County while reducing the infrastructure’s exposure to severe weather.

O&R is also nearing completion of two additional underground electric projects along Old Nyack Turnpike and Pascack Road in Clarkstown. Both projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Meanwhile, two new substations are being constructed in Orange County to accommodate growing electricity demand. A $65 million substation is underway on John Hicks Drive in Warwick, while a $102 million project is progressing on Forest Avenue in the Town of Monroe. Both are expected to be energized by May 2027.

New Gas Safety Measures

O&R is also expanding its natural gas safety initiatives ahead of the heating season.

The company is replacing older gas meters at no charge to customers, with 640 meters already replaced this year. Customers selected for replacement will be contacted to schedule an appointment.

Additionally, O&R is installing natural gas detectors near customers’ gas meters. The devices sound an alarm when a gas leak is detected and alert both the utility and local fire departments.

More than 800 detectors have been installed so far in 2026, also at no cost to customers.

What Customers Can Expect to Pay This Winter

Despite concerns over fluctuating energy prices, O&R is projecting relatively stable electric bills and lower natural gas heating costs this winter.

A typical residential electric customer using 550 kilowatt-hours per month is expected to pay approximately $171 monthly, roughly the same as last winter.

Natural gas heating customers using an average of 148 ccf per month are projected to pay approximately $258 monthly between November 2026 and March 2027, compared to $276 last winter.

That represents a projected 6.4% decrease in natural gas heating costs.

O&R cautioned that energy prices remain subject to change based on weather conditions, international developments, and wholesale market fluctuations.

Expanded Discounts for Eligible Households

The utility is also promoting several programs aimed at helping households struggling with energy expenses.

Through its Energy Affordability Program, O&R has already provided $23.3 million in bill reductions to approximately 21,200 income-eligible customers in 2026.

A newer initiative, the Enhanced Energy Affordability Program (EEAP), offers potential discounts to customers whose household incomes fall below the state median, including some residents who do not qualify for traditional public assistance.

Eligible households may also receive heating assistance through the federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

O&R has additionally introduced a new Energy Dashboard, allowing customers to monitor energy consumption, identify savings opportunities, and explore available rebates and assistance programs.

Tips to Reduce Heating Costs

O&R is encouraging residents to take simple steps to reduce energy consumption, including keeping thermostats at comfortable but lower temperatures, ensuring heating vents remain unobstructed, cleaning furnace filters, insulating exposed hot-water pipes, and having heating systems professionally inspected.

The company also recommends washing clothes in cold water, unplugging unused electronics, and reducing unnecessary hot-water consumption.

O&R serves approximately 300,000 electric customers across southeastern New York and northern New Jersey, along with approximately 140,000 natural gas customers in New York.