Heating oil prices in New York have risen sharply ahead of winter, according to NEWS10.
NYSERDA's Sept. 25 report put the statewide average at $6.27 a gallon for the week of Sept. 21, up 70% from $3.69 a year earlier.
Nina Bland of Albany's Community Action Association said her organization is already seeing more families seek heating assistance and expects demand to triple this winter.
The state's Home Energy Assistance Program can help income-eligible households pay heating bills.
AARP New York also pointed to the Energy Affordability Program, which can reduce eligible customers' utility bills throughout the year.
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