Larry Rulison is reporting for the Times Union National Grid is predicting home heating bills in upstate New York will increase 39 percent this winter, a hike of roughly $50 more per month than last year. "These prices are significantly higher than they were last year," said Melanie Littlejohn, National Grid's regional vice president for customer and community management. National Grid said the increase is the result of record natural gas prices, as well as the increased gas delivery rates recently approved by the state Public Service Commission. Customers are charged for both supply and delivery. The supply charge is set using wholesale gas prices, while the delivery rate is set by the PSC. National Grid said the average five-month home heating bill will be approximately $943 for the period from November through March, $263 higher than the cost over the same five-month period last year. About $231 of the increase is due to wholesale gas costs. National Grid further noted that monthly electricity bills will also go up about $23, or 22 percent, each month this winter since most electricity in New York is made burning natural gas. All told, the average National Grid combined gas-and-electric bill will be $75 higher this winter compared to last. Littlejohn said, "National Grid has many assistance programs available, as well as energy-saving strategies, resources and tips. We are encouraging our customers to take action now before the cold weather arrives.” Read more in the Times Union.