Melanie Lekocevic is reporting for Capital Region Independent Media utility prices are expected to increase in March, for the second time in two months. In February, Central Hudson warned customers to expect higher electricity and natural gas prices because of a variety of factors. On March 1, the company issued a second statement saying prices will go even higher and customers can can expect them to remain that way for much of 2022. The higher rates are due to strong demand for energy worldwide and global events, particularly the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. In a statement the company said the supply price for natural gas has risen 24 percent since February. The impact on individual customers’ bills will vary depending on the weather, their energy usage, and the billing cycle, according to the company. Prices for other forms of energy have also been affected. Heating oil and gasoline prices are also about 40 percent higher than one year ago. Gov. Kathy Hochul on March 1 announced the state’s Public Service Commission is requiring New York’s major electric and gas utilities to increase their outreach and education efforts to notify customers of the impact on utility bills. There are also state programs to assist residents with paying their utility bills, such as the Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP. HEAP can provide up to $751 to eligible homeowners and renters depending on income, household size, and how they heat their home, according to the governor’s office. Read the full story at the upstater [dot] com.