Average heating bill expected to rise almost $1,000 this season

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The cost of keeping a house warm this season is expected to rise to $976, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.

That’s nearly an eight-percent hike from last year and it comes from increases in natural gas and electricity prices.

A report from the Center for American Progress says dozens of gas and electric utility companies have either already raised or are planning to raise rates this year or next year.

Funding for federal assistance for utility bills has remained static at $4 million over the past two years.