Utilities forecast how much energy they will need to pre-purchase for heating season based on historical data of average temperatures. This winter has been colder than average, forcing utilities to buy more energy on the open market at a much higher price. “It’s that greater demand that’s driving up prices in the supply market. Gas supply costs are up 20% this year,” explains Alexis Arnold, a spokeswoman for RG&E. We also have something called enhanced energy affordability program and that is deigned for moderately low-income customers.