Buffalo, New York Commercial Natural Gas

Buffalo Commercial Natural Gas: Western New York's Hub

Buffalo—Western New York's largest city and a historic manufacturing center—offers significant natural gas savings opportunities for businesses. From its revitalized waterfront to its manufacturing heritage, Buffalo's diverse commercial sector can benefit from New York's deregulated energy market.

Understanding how to navigate natural gas procurement helps Buffalo businesses reduce operating costs while supporting the region's economic resurgence.

How Natural Gas Works in Buffalo

National Fuel Gas Service

National Fuel Gas provides natural gas delivery throughout Buffalo and Erie County:

• Distribution network: Owns and maintains local pipelines
• Meter services: Records all usage
• Emergency response: 24/7 service (800-444-3130)
• Billing: Consolidated delivery and supply

National Fuel serves Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania.

New York Energy Choice (ESCO Program)

The New York Public Service Commission regulates supplier choice:

• Licensed ESCOs compete for commercial accounts
• Consumer protection regulations in place
• Seamless switching between suppliers
• National Fuel Gas continues reliable delivery

Service Structure

Component	Provider	Competitive?
Gas delivery	National Fuel Gas	No—regulated
Gas supply	NFG or ESCO	Yes
Meter reading	National Fuel Gas	No
Billing	National Fuel Gas or ESCO	Options available

Cost Reduction Strategies for Buffalo

1. Compare ESCO Suppliers

Buffalo businesses have supplier options:

Evaluation Factor	What to Consider
Per-therm rate	Base commodity cost
Rate type	Fixed, variable, or index
Contract term	12-36 months typical
Monthly fees	Additional charges
Exit provisions	Early termination costs

Check NYSERDA and NY PSC for licensed ESCO information.

2. Leverage Volume

Buffalo businesses can negotiate based on consumption:

• Under 15,000 therms: Standard commercial rates
• 15,000-50,000 therms: Custom quotes available
• 50,000+ therms: Direct negotiations
• Industrial users: Custom and transport pricing

Manufacturing operations should request custom pricing.

3. Strategic Timing

Natural gas prices fluctuate seasonally. Monitor EIA data:

Favorable periods:

• Late spring and summer
• After mild winters
• High storage levels

Higher cost periods:

• Peak heating season
• Lake effect cold events
• Supply constraints

Buffalo's severe winters make timing especially valuable.

4. Regional Aggregation

Western New York businesses benefit from aggregation:

• Multiple Buffalo facilities
• Erie County operations
• Western New York regional
• Cross-border (Canada) coordination

Combined volume improves negotiating position.

Industries We Serve in Buffalo

Manufacturing

Buffalo's industrial heritage continues:

• Steel and metals processing
• Industrial manufacturing
• Process heating
• Food processing

Explore: Manufacturing Natural Gas Solutions

Healthcare

Major healthcare systems:

• Kaleida Health - Major system
• Catholic Health System
• Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Hospital networks and clinics

See: Healthcare Natural Gas Solutions

Higher Education

Universities and colleges:

• University at Buffalo - Major research university
• Buffalo State College
• Canisius University
• Educational campuses

Related: Educational Facility Natural Gas Solutions

Commercial Real Estate

Office and commercial properties:

• Downtown office buildings
• Medical Mile properties
• Mixed-use developments
• Multi-tenant facilities

Explore: Multi-Tenant Natural Gas Solutions

Food Processing

Food industry operations:

• Food processing facilities
• Dairy operations
• Commercial bakeries
• Cold storage

Restaurants

Buffalo's growing dining scene:

• Independent restaurants
• Multi-location groups
• Commercial kitchens
• Hospitality operations

See: Restaurant Natural Gas Solutions

Buffalo Market Specifics

Economic Resurgence

Buffalo's revitalization:

• Downtown renaissance
• Medical corridor development
• Tech sector growth
• Waterfront development

Manufacturing Heritage

Historic industrial strength:

• Steel industry legacy
• Advanced manufacturing
• Food processing
• Industrial transformation

Climate Considerations

Buffalo's severe winters:

• Lake effect snow and cold
• High heating demand
• Extended heating season
• Weather risk management

Canadian Border

International commerce:

• Peace Bridge access
• Cross-border trade
• Canadian energy connections
• International business

Compare New York Cities

Coordinate across New York locations:

• New York City - Con Edison/National Grid territory
• Rochester - RG&E territory
• Yonkers - Con Edison territory
• Syracuse - National Grid territory
• Albany - National Grid territory
• New York statewide

Understanding Your Buffalo Gas Bill

Bill Components

Your National Fuel Gas bill includes:

1. Delivery Charges (National Fuel Gas)

• Customer charge (fixed monthly)
• Distribution charge (per therm/Ccf)
• Infrastructure charges
• System benefit charges
• Taxes and surcharges

2. Supply Charges

• Gas commodity cost (per therm)
• From NFG or ESCO
• Shopping here creates savings

Rate Schedules

National Fuel Gas commercial rate schedules:

Schedule	Description
SC-1	Small Commercial
SC-2	Large Commercial
SC-3	Industrial

Delivery charges apply regardless of supplier.

Contract Strategies for Buffalo

Fixed Rate Contracts

Essential for:

• Manufacturing operations
• Healthcare facilities
• Educational institutions
• Winter price protection

Standard terms:

• 12, 24, or 36 months
• Locked per-therm rate
• Early termination fees

Variable/Index Rates

Consider when:

• Flexible budget capacity
• Market monitoring capability
• Shorter-term needs
• Summer operations

Buffalo considerations:

• Severe winters increase risk
• Manufacturing needs certainty
• Lake effect adds unpredictability

Buffalo Recommendations

Given Buffalo's climate and industrial profile:

• Fixed pricing strongly recommended
• At least partial fixed for winter protection
• Manufacturing operations prefer certainty
• Monitor market for summer opportunities

Learn more: Understanding Natural Gas Deregulation

Energy Efficiency in Buffalo

National Fuel Gas Programs

National Fuel Gas offers commercial efficiency programs:

• Equipment rebates
• Custom project incentives
• Energy assessments
• Technical assistance

Visit National Fuel Energy Programs for current offerings.

NYSERDA Programs

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority NYSERDA offers:

• Commercial rebates
• Custom incentives
• Technical support
• Financing options

Manufacturing Efficiency

Industrial-specific strategies:

• Process optimization
• Heat recovery systems
• Boiler efficiency improvements
• Equipment upgrades

Get Your Free Buffalo Analysis

Natural Gas Advisors helps Buffalo and Erie County businesses optimize natural gas costs:

1. Bill Analysis: Review your current National Fuel Gas bills
2. ESCO Comparison: Compare licensed energy suppliers
3. Contract Review: Evaluate terms and opportunities
4. Negotiation Support: Secure competitive rates
5. Ongoing Management: Monitor renewals and market

No cost to businesses—suppliers compensate us directly.

Whether you operate a manufacturing plant, healthcare system, university campus, or any Buffalo business, New York's deregulated market offers real savings opportunities.

Buffalo is building its future. Let us help build your energy savings. Contact Natural Gas Advisors today for your complimentary Western New York energy analysis.