Without last winter’s mild weather, we’ll spend more on heating

By Kevin G. Hall

McClatchy Washington Bureau

The coming winter will be both colder and costlier.

That’s the short-term energy and winter fuels outlook issued by the Energy Information Administration.

“Forecast average household expenditures for heating oil, propane and natural gas are 38 percent, 26 percent and 22 percent higher than last year, respectively, because of higher expected demand and higher fuel prices” the EIA said.

Forecasters predict temperatures will be 3 percent warmer than the 10-year average. But it will colder than last year, an aberration that was 15 percent warmer than the 10-year average.

Prices for the three main sources of winter heating are not far off of last year’s low levels, but consumers are expected to spend more because last year’s unseasonable warmth required less home heating.

Roughly half of U.S. households heat with natural gas, and those prices are expected to be 11 percent higher than last winter, with consumption of natural gas for heating forecast to be about 10 percent higher than last winter. It’ll cost more, and the nation is expected to consume more.

— McClatchy

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Business

Image from Erickson Furniture website
From couch to coffee table — Local favorites await

Style your space with the county’s top picks for furniture and flair.

Nichole Webber: Drawing up plays for athletes and politics

The communications director for the city of Everett believes leadership is rooted in honesty, integrity and selfless commitment to others.

2025 Emerging Leader DeLon Lewis (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
DeLon Lewis: Helping students succeed

Program specialist for Everett Community College believes leadership is about building bridges.

2025 Emerging Leader Natalie Given (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Natalie Given: Building trust and communicating concerns

Everett Police Department’s Public Information Officer builds relationship and better communication.

2025 Emerging Leader Scott Hulme (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Scott Hulme: Standing up for downtown

Business development manager for the Downtown Everett Association brings property owners, tenants and city leaders together.

2025 Emerging Leader Anthony Hawley (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Anthony Hawley: Creating friendships and filling pantries

Since 2021, Hawley has increased donations to Lake Stevens Community Food Bank through fundraising and building donor relationships.

2025 Emerging Leader Rick Flores (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Rick Flores: Learning lessons from marching band

Directs the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement program at WSU Everett helps underrepresented students with tutoring, specialized courses, mentorship and support networks.

2025 Emerging Leader Melinda Cervantes (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Melinda Cervantes: Making sure every voice is heard

Prolific volunteer facilitates connections between Spanish-speaking public representatives and community members.

2025 Emerging Leader Megan Kemmett (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Megan Kemmett: Seeking solutions to any problem or obstacle

Executive director of Snohomish Community Food Bank overcomes obstacles to keep people fed.

2025 Emerging Leader Kellie Lewis (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Kellie Lewis: Bringing community helpers together

Edmonds Food Bank’s marketing and communications director fosters connections to help others.

2025 Emerging Leader Christina Strand (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Christina Strand: Helping people on the move

Community engagement specialist believes biking, walking and public transit can have a positive impact.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.