Federal agency projects electric heat will cost more this winter
Heating U.S. homes with electricity is expected to be more expensive this winter, especially when compared with natural gas or heating oil, federal officials estimate.
In forecasts published this month, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said the average American consumer who relies on electricity to heat his home will see expenses rise 4% to $1,133 from November through March 2026. During that period, the price of electricity per kilowatt-hour is expected to rise 5% overall, the EIA said.
The cost of electricity varies geographically. People in the Northeast will pay an additional 24 cents or more per kilowatt hour — the highest rates in the country — totaling more than $1,519 this winter. By comparison, people in the South would pay between 14.68 cents and 15.54 cents per kilowatt hour, for a total of $1,031 over the same period, according to EIA estimates.
About 42 percent of American households reported using electricity to heat their living space, the Energy Information Administration said, citing U.S. Census information.
Good news for natural gas and heating oil customers
The agency said that families who use other forms of energy will be better off this winter.
Natural gas prices are expected to grow by 1% to 3% this winter, while actual consumer expenses will not grow by more than 2%. Heating oil and propane prices are expected to decline, said the Energy Information Agency, an analytical agency within the Department of Energy.
