Consumer

Home Heating Costs Up To 30% Higher This Winter

Consumers Advised To Start Saving Now For Higher Bills To Come

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Turning up the heat in your home this winter could be as painful as a trip to the gas pump. The cost of natural gas is going up.

CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker reports between gas and food prices, we're already suffering from sticker shock this summer. Now comes the news that this winter will bring more bad news.

"Right now we're estimating that people's bills for heating their homes is going to be 25 to 30 percent higher than this past winter," said Peoples Gas spokesperson Rod Sierra.

The average home heating bill of $1,500 a year will jump to $1,800.

"I think it's a very scary number, 'cause everything's going up so that's just going to add stress to the family," said customer Lisa Tienken.

And most of that stress will hit during the winter months.

"November, December, January, February, March, those five months are when you'll see the bulk of the increase. Those are the five months you really have to prepare for," Sierra said.

Preparation for those on a fixed income like Linda Bursey means cutting back on essentials.

"Clothing...small portions of food at a times we're going to have to do that," she said.

The reasons we're paying more for natural gas are some of the same reasons we're paying more for fuel and food. Experts blame the weak dollar, so it takes money to buy the gas.

The gas company advises that this year, more than ever before, be sure to winterize your home.

Peoples Gas officials also want to remind customers about the company's budget plan. That's a program where you can reduce your payments in the winter by paying more in the summer. You'll find more information on the company's Web site.

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