Now that weather is getting colder and we are forced to finally turn up the thermostat the Federal Government is suggesting that we also plan or in their words "budget" to spend more for heat this year. Guess we’d best start socking away a bit of cash for the winter and unfortunately it doesn’t seem to matter how you fuel your heat the results will be universal. In their message this week the Energy Department said that household bills are likely to be higher for all four main heating fuels – natural gas, electricity, heating oil and propane.

They also say that because of last year’s warmer temperatures it will the increase will be felt even more. Many experts believe that this winter will be much colder than last year across the country including forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Here is the Energy Department forecast for average household heating bills from October through March:

  • Natural gas: the average bill in the Northeast is expected to rise 29 percent, or $198, to $889. If winter is colder than NOAA predicts, the increases would be 31 percent nationally and 38 percent in the Northeast.
  • Heating oil: up 38 percent, or $378, to an average $1,370.
  • Electricity: up 5 percent, or $49, to $945 because of higher consumption. Rates are expected to be flat.
  • Propane: Lower than most years, but higher than last winter, when temperatures were mild and prices low. In the Northeast, the forecast calls for an average increase of $346, or 21 percent, to $1,991; in the Midwest, it’s $290 more, or 30 percent, to $1,272.
  • Wood and wood pellets: used to heat about 2.5 million U.S. homes, including one-fifth of rural households in New England. The energy agency didn’t offer a cost forecast. 

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