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When you’re out doing your holiday shopping you might want to save some extra cash to pay your home heating bills this season.
If you heat your home with oil your bill is expected to cost twenty-five percent more than last year-- an average increase of four-hundred dollars. And if you’re using natural gas it’ll cost 9 percent more-- an average increase of one-hundred dollars.
“We’re very close to a crisis on energy prices that I think will sort of awaken the American public,” said Congressman John Peterson.
If temperatures drop lower than expected you’ll be paying even higher costs to heat your home.
And the future outlook for your energy bill isn’t great either. Penelec’s rates are currently capped so your paying well below market price for your electricity.
On December 31, 2010 the volatility of the market will be reflected in your bill overnight, resulting in what some experts predict will be at least a thirty percent increase.
Rising fuel prices are pushing lawmakers to focus on energy policy. The House is moving quickly to vote on an energy bill next week. But for now experts say the best tactic is to make efficient use of whatever fuel you buy.
Using energy efficient light bulbs, insulating your home, and investing in Energy Star products are good ways to combat rising prices.
“Conservation was good in its time but now we have so many technology options that allow consumers to save energy while still keeping the comfort they have come to expect,” said David Rodgers with the Department of Energy.
If you are having trouble paying your bills you might be eligible for the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program or help from local fuel funds.
The following websites offer information about energy assistance programs:
http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms/LIHEAP/
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/liheap/
Click here to get information about how to lower your heating bills this winter:
http://www.energy.gov/forconsumers.htm
Check out some helpful information from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission: