Overview
- NEADA now projects the average household will spend about $995 on heating this winter, an 11% rise from last season.
- Homes heated with electricity could pay the most, with seasonal totals near $1,242, while natural gas users could face up to about $712.
- The update lifts an earlier 9.2% increase after rapid energy price gains in January prompted a higher forecast.
- AccuWeather estimates heating demand from January through early February reached 115% to 150% of the historical average across much of the East and central U.S.
- Energy-assistance organizations expect more requests from low-income households and seniors, and experts recommend sealing leaks, lowering thermostats, adding insulation, keeping vents clear, using programmable controls, and replacing outdated systems.