Heating bills in the Philadelphia area could climb nearly 9% this winter, WHYY reported, citing a projection from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. Households that heat with oil face the steepest increase.
The estimate follows a summer of heavy air conditioning use and high electricity bills. MarketWatch reported a slightly lower national figure, with winter heating costs expected to run 8.3% above last year.
Oil Users Face a 21% Jump
The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects that household spending on heating oil will rise 21% this winter, more than for any other major heating fuel. Only 3% of U.S. households use oil as their main heating fuel. But 82% of those homes are in the Northeast.
Electric Heat Tied to Grid Costs
Electricity is the second most common heating fuel in the Northeast, after natural gas. Homes that heat with electricity are projected to see a 3% rise in their utility bills.
Sanya Carley, a professor of energy policy and city planning at the University of Pennsylvania, said rising electricity costs are expected to push up winter bills, particularly in the Philadelphia region…