Energy costs are up. What this means for your heating bills
TOPEKA, Kan. – Energy officials expect heating bills to put a ‘considerable’ dent in American wallets this winter.
According to the EIA, fuel inventories like natural gas and propane are already near historic lows. So, even a short snap of freezing temperatures could cause a financial blow. They expect household expenses for all major home heating fuels to increase significantly this winter.
“On average,natural gas costs are projected to rise by 30% and electric costs by 6%.Half of U.S. households heat their homes with natural gas. Forty-one percent use electricity, which is sometimes generated by natural gas.
Alternate fuel sources, used to heat 9% of homes, will cost more as well. Propane prices are expected to rise 54% on average with heating oil trending up 43%.”
Resources to lower Heating Bills
Kansas
The Kansas Corporation Commission launched an online resource to explain the reasons prices are escalating. Kansas residents can also find tips to help minimize the impact and find financial and weatherization assistance.
The Kansas Corporation Commission wants to provide Kansas ratepayers with helpful information and resources as we head into winter. Click on the links below to learn more related to this important topic. We will update this page frequently, so check back often for the latest news.
- Why are energy costs going up?
- What can I do to reduce energy usage?
- The Cold Weather Rule
- What to do if you get a disconnection notice
- Utility and Weatherization Assistance Programs (you can find your local agencies here)
- Consumer Contacts
The KCC regulates investor-owned utilities in the state; however, the agency does not set fuel prices. In the mid 1980’s, the U.S. Congress deregulated the price for natural gas. As a result, the market drove the cost of natrual gas. The cost utilities pay for natural gas is a direct pass-through to its customers.
Missouri
Missouri residents interested in applying for weatherization assistance can click here for a map of the state. Just click your region and find contact information for your local angecy, or, select your county from the dropdown list.
Typical weatherization measures include air sealing to reduce infiltration, insulation of attics, sidewalls, floors, pipes, heating and cooling system repair, etc. You can find resources in Missouri here.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps residents pay for heating and cooling bills. You can also apply for help on your water and/or wastewater bills through the Missouri Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). You can apply here.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma also has a statewide weatherization assisantce program. You can find out if you qualify here. You can also contact your local Community Action Agency to apply for weatherization assistance. Call 405-949-1495 to find your local agency, or click here.
The Oklahoma Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) program provides financial assistance. The federally funded program has a tool to help you see if you qualify.
Arkansas
Federal programs are also helping folks in Arkansas through the Weatherization Assistance Program
The Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households with home energy costs by administering Regular Assistance and Crisis Intervention Programs.
More Ideas to Save on Your Heating Bills
No matter how cold your part of the country gets, there are plenty of easy, inexpensive ways to keep warm while lowering your bills. You can read that article here: Your Heating Bill Will Skyrocket This Winter. Here’s What to Do About It
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