Nearly 5m households relying on heating oil could see 70% increases, as advocates call on Congress to provide relief
Americans are likely to face higher heating bills this winter amid a growing affordability crisis, with costs projected to climb more than 7% nationwide and some households facing increases of up to 70%, according to a new report.
The National Energy Assistance Directors Association (Neada), which represents state officials seeking federal funding, warns that disruptions stemming from the war with Iran are pushing heating costs higher as millions of families already struggle to pay utility bills.
Households relying on heating oil, particularly in the north-east and Alaska, face the biggest increases. Nearly 5m households use the fuel, with seasonal costs potentially jumping 70%, to approximately $2,977.
The north-east is expected to see average heating bills rise 16.9%, or $221, from $1,311 last winter to $1,532 this winter. The region has some of the nation’s highest electricity prices and the greatest concentration of heating oil customers.
“For higher-income households, these increases may be an inconvenience. For low- and middle-income families, they can be devastating,” said Mark Wolfe, executive director of Neada, in a statement.
“Families are already struggling with rising costs for food, housing and other necessities.
