Heating Costs Likely To Rise This Year
LOCAL and NATIONAL REPORTS –Authorities have predicted this winter to be a costly one when it comes to paying for natural gas to heat the majority of American homes.
Nearly 60 percent of the homesrely onthat resourceand many ratepayers are being warned about apossible10 percent increase to their bills. Many could pay as much as $78 dollars more this year, representatives with the U.S. Energy Department said.
Those who heat with electricity should see a much more modest rate hike, with most paying 4 percent more.
Those who heat with propane are facing a 16 percent increase, with around $221 to added to their bills.
Many energy consumers bemoan the prospect of paying more, particularly since the costs for other commodities – like car fuel – remain high.
“Well, it definitely has been putting a strain on the family as far as prices going up very year – they go up every year,” said Sonja Lumley, a homeowner.
“When home heating oil prices go up, natural gas prices go up and prices at the pump go up, and that means consumers are getting hit on multiple sides,” said Diane Swonk, an economist.
The major variable in the cost of heating homes this year is the weather. If a warmer winter occurs, prices of some fuels could fall. Conversely, heating bills could go higher if the winter is colder than expected.
