Home heating costs may skyrocket this winter, report says

Consumers have been paying higher prices for just about everything.

While you’re already feeling it at the pump, it’s also going to hurt when it’s time to heat your home this winter, according to a federal report.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration says all major home heating fuels will skyrocket in the months to come, thanks in part to higher fuel costs and an expected colder winter forcing higher demand.

“Compared with last winter, we forecast propane expenditures will rise by 54%, heating oil by 43%, natural gas by 30%, and electricity by 6%,” it said.

Three-quarters of homes in New Jersey use natural gas, according to the Census Bureau. On average, the agency said, natural gas users across the country should expect an average bill of $746 for the winter. That’s 30% higher than last year. If the winter is 10% colder than average, consumers will pay 50% more than last year, it said.

Only 4% of homes across the country — and 9% of New Jersey homeowners — use oil. They can expect a 43% increase to $1,734, it said. If winter is colder than usual, they will pay nearly double, or 59% more than last year.

Homes that use propane, making up 5% of U.S. households and 2% in New Jersey, are expected to pay the largest increase of all the fuel sources at 54% more than last year.

Those who use electricity to heat their homes — 41% of the country and 12% of New Jersey— can expect an increase of 6% to an average of $1,268 for the season. If the winter is colder than usual, homeowners will pay 15% more than last year, it said.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com.