Costly To Keep Warm This Winter

[jeffrey]

The majority of U.S. households will see their heating bills jump by 10% to 20% this winter, the Energy Department said Tuesday in its first look at the upcoming season.

Users of natural gas, which is the heating source in 55% of U.S. homes, will pay an average $1,049 this winter. That's up 20% from the 2003-2004 winter season, which the Energy Department defines as October through March. Heating oil costs are expected to rise 10%, and propane bills 18%.

The government did not provide estimates for electricity, which is used to heat 29% of U.S. homes. Data from the Energy Department's Energy Information Administration, however, show prices are expected to rise more than 3% this winter. That does not factor in potential changes in household demand... [read more at usatoday.com]