Many families to get a break on winter heating costs but uncertainties persist

By DAVID SHARP
Associated Press

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — With millions of families behind on utility payments and more people seeking heating aid, many could soon see a welcome reprieve: The federal government says the cost of heating a home with natural gas this winter is projected to decrease. Heating with electricity is expected to remain relatively stable but the cost of heating oil, which is relied on by residents in the nation’s Northeast corner, will likely rise. And chaos in Congress could complicate efforts to obtain more federal funding for heating assistance. The Biden administration released most of the current $4 billion in home energy assistance to states on Tuesday. But advocates for people who need help fear the funding will be inadequate.