October 14, 2005, Wall Street Journal — Home heating costs could rise by between a third and a half this winter, the Department of Energy said, as world-wide energy demand remains high and production in the U.S. remains strained following damage caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The department’s annual fuels outlook, released Wednesday, predicted that households heated with natural gas will see the sharpest increase, paying an average $350, or 48%, more this winter than last. Residents of oil-heated homes will pay roughly $378 more, a 32% rise from last year. Propane users will pay roughly $325, or 30%, more than last winter, and homes heated by electricity will cost about $38 more, or 5%…Higher heating bills, combined with heightened gasoline prices, may force many Americans to spend up to 20% of their take-home income on energy costs this winter, said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association, which represents the state agencies that distribute money to help low-income families pay their fuel bills.
Home Heating Costs to Rise [Wall Street Journal]