The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has announced it expects the cost to heat most U.S. households will be on the rise this winter. There are two factors driving that projection: (1) higher residential energy prices (you probably saw that coming) and (2) higher projected consumption levels compared to a year ago. The combination of these two factors will mean a more expensive home heating season than we’ve seen in recent years.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expects the United States to experience a slightly colder winter than last year, leading to higher consumption of heating fuels. Combined with projected energy costs, EIA forecasts U.S. households will spend 28% more for natural gas, 27% more for heating oil, 10% more for electricity, and 5% more for propane.
The heating costs, combined with persistent inflation raising the cost of everything, will likely lead to an increased need for home heating assistance. Here in Wisconsin, where we’re forced to endure a longer and colder winter season than other parts of the country, the anticipation is causing fear, worry, and frustration among consumers.
Households that are anticipating difficulty affording the costs of keeping their families comfortable this winter are encouraged to look into the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, a federally-funded initiative designed to assist U.S. families with energy costs. But it’s important to not wait until the temperatures drop to dangerous levels. As with any government funding initiative, there can be a lapse in time and considerable steps between when you apply for help and when you are able to start receiving it.