NEW YORK (AP) - With prices surging worldwide for heating oil, natural gas and other fuels, the U.S. government said Wednesday it expects households to see jumps of up to 54% for their heating bills from last winter. The sharpest increases are likely for homes that use propane, but others are also likely to see big increases. Homes that use natural gas, which make up nearly half of all U.S. households, may spend $746 this winter, 30% more than a year ago. A forecast for a colder winter means people will likely be burning more fuel to keep warm, on top of paying more for each bit of it. Photo: Photo: Solar panels cover the roof of the home of Rob and Janet McClallen in Rutland, Vt., on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015. (AP Photo/Wilson Ring)
Winter heating bills set to jump as inflation hits home
Solar panels cover the roof of the home of Rob and Janet McClallen in Rutland, Vt., on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015. The McClallens installed solar panels and other cutting edge heating and cooling technology to reduce power use in their home. Green Mountain Power, Vermont's largest electric utility, held an event at the McClallen home to proclaim Rutland as the solar capital of New England. The utility claims the city has more solar capacity, 7.8 megawatts, per capita than any other city in the region. (AP Photo/Wilson Ring)
