Larry Rulison reports for the Times Union that the National Grid utility is predicting that home heating costs could drop 18.3 percent this winter compared to last year. The prediction is based on expected weather patterns, wholesale natural gas prices, and other factors. If so, that would mean $143 in savings for an average National Grid customer over the five-month winter period. National Grid officials also bragged about setting aside $6 million to offset bills for low-income families not covered by federal winter heating assistance programs. Melanie Littlejohn, National Grid’s New York vice president for customer and community engagement, said, “While reduced heating costs is certainly welcome news for our customers, we recognize that energy prices can still add to the financial burden for those who are struggling with higher costs at the grocery store, gas pump and elsewhere.” Read more about this story in the Times Union.