Cost of Heating Homes to Rise

A new report from the Energy Department shows natural gas customers will seen an increase in price of 15 percent this winter, while heating oil will rise by 19 percent and propane by 13 percent.Right now, the price for oil is topping $91 per barrel. That price forecast has consumers looking for ways to be energy efficient when the cold weather arrives.Experts say no matter which way someone heats their home — whether by window insulation or a space heater — there are numerous cost effective ways to heat it.Home Depot manager Kent Thompson says even newer space heaters can help if that’s the only option, but only after checking the safety features first.”The time to find out that heater isn’t as safe as you thought, isn’t after it’s already started the fire,” said Thompson.Ameren Missouri officials told ABC 17 News they are not expecting any increases in costs for customers this year, however, the company is seeking the state’s permission to increase customers’ rates.