Heating costs will go up this season

Higher crude oil prices will force consumers to dig even deeper into their pockets to pay this winter’s heating bills as costs for heating oil, natural gas and propane will be higher than previously expected, the government’s top energy forecasting agency said.

Households using heating oil will take the biggest hit, paying an average $1,879 for the winter, up 25% from last winter and $79 more than the forecast last month, according to the Energy Information Administration.

Consumers who rely on natural gas to warm their homes will spend $900 this winter, 11% more than last year and $9 more than the agency’s previous estimate.

Propane users, who live mainly in rural areas, will see $1,622 in winter expenses, up 20% from last winter and $52 more than the agency’s earlier projection.

Consumers who heat with electricity will receive the best deal this winter, paying just $845 for the season, only 2.7% more than last year and $10 less than the agency previously forecast.

Price estimates are based on the heating season running from October through next March.