January Brings 20% Higher Gas Prices to the East Coast

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the weather, you probably already know that this winter is predicted to be colder than average. But Mass residents have more to worry about than just icy roads or shoveling snow—the drop in temps directly correlates with a sharp increase in natural gas prices, which promises to put strain on post-Christmas wallets into the spring. Here’s what to know, how to plan ahead, and how N.E.T.R., Inc. can help.  

A Polar Vortex Heads This Way 

A polar vortex is a weather phenomenon that occurs when a significant area of cold, low-pressure air moves around the Earth’s north and south poles. 

As this pocket of air weakens and expands, it can move southward into parts of North America and Europe, where it brings extremely frigid temperatures and harsh weather conditions to areas where this is less common. As a result, this leads to an increased demand for heating that causes a sharp rise in the cost of resources like natural gas, oil, and firewood. 

The Recent Increase in Natural Gas Prices 

February prices are predicted to be 20% higher than current prices, which have risen 9% in just the last week alone, and 58% over the course of the last year. This is the highest price since two years ago in January 2023, which puts pressure on families who have already been struggling with inflation prices at the grocery store. 

Planning Ahead for the Cold Snap 

This year’s cold snap isn’t just any cold snap–it’s an arctic blast that could slow down travel and commerce, further impacting the local economy and taxing municipal resources. Here are some tips you can use to plan ahead: 

• Get fuel now. As the weather gets colder, gas prices will undoubtedly get higher. Purchasing extra fuel now will be cheaper and you won’t have to worry about price gouging if you run out later on. 
• Seal drafts around your house. If there are tiny crevices in between your walls and your doors or windows, these can let in cold air and make your heating system work twice as hard to keep your space warm. Now is a great time to check for drafts and seal cracks if you haven’t already. 
• Leave your faucets dripping. Leaving your faucets on a slow drip when it’s very cold outside can help keep your pipes from freezing and bursting. 
• Stock up on non-perishables. Now is also a good time to stock up on things you might not have enough of, like frozen and canned foods, paper towels and toilet paper, flashlight batteries, and other critical and non-perishable items. You probably also want to get some ice melt and sand before they sell out of stores. 
• Bring outdoor pets inside. If you have pets that normally stay outdoors, it will be too cold for them once the vortex hits. Bring them inside or make sure they have a heated house to take shelter in.  
• Check on vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbors. If you have elderly family members or neighbors with limited mobility, make sure they have what they need before the bad weather hits, including food, water, and heating. 

How N.E.T.R., Inc. Can Help 

At N.E.T.R., Inc., we’ve been helping businesses and families stay warm since 1989. We can service your heating equipment before the freeze to make sure it’s in good condition and ready for subzero temps. If you don’t have a good heating system, let us know and we can work with you on an installation plan. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule service by calling (781) 933-6387.