Experts Warn of Sticker Shock for Home Heating Prices This Winter

(KNSI) — Experts are warning Minnesotans to get ready for major sticker shock for the upcoming heating season.

Geoff Greenwood with the MidAmerican Energy company says it’s not just Minnesotans who are seeing the prices skyrocket, warning, “Worldwide demand for natural gas is up here in America. production is down and our storage is down. That translates into higher market prices. And this year, they’re more than double what they were this time last year. Based on the market prices for natural gas over this last month, we predict that all moneyresidential customers bills will increase by anywhere from 46 to 96% over the heating season.”

Greenwood suggested that homeowners get a programmable or smart thermostat so they can keep the temperature lower when you’re not at home. He also suggested opening up the drapes during the day to let the sun heat the interior and closing the drapes at night to hold in the heat. He also suggested getting an energy audit to make sure your home has enough insulation in the walls and attic and see if your home is losing heat anywhere.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce has a program for homeowners who are having trouble paying their utility bills. Learn more by clicking here.

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