Heating Bills Surge This Winter | Charleston News

Heating bills are skyrocketing this winter—with average costs up 8.7%—after already strained families dealt with sky-high cooling bills last summer. Experts warn that rising energy prices are outpacing inflation, hitting low-income households hardest. Over 275 utility companies have raised or plan to raise rates, pushing overall heating costs up nearly 24% since winter 2021-2022. Electric users face a 9% hike, natural gas users 5.8%, and propane users 8.7%. Heating oil users in the Northeast could see a brutal 31.3% jump. While an El Niño may soften some increases, experts urge simple fixes: seal drafts, check insulation, get an energy audit, adjust thermostats when away, unblock vents, run ceiling fans downward, open blinds for sunlight, maintain heating systems, and even switch to cold water laundry or lower your water heater temp—all to slash those soaring bills. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Sources:https://wchstv.com/news/nation-world/home-heating-costs-expected-to-rise-87-this-winter-expert-offers-money-saving-tips More coverage & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/1f84f54845e25f02 Report issues to [email protected].