Forecast Highlights Winter Fuels Outlook EIA projects average U.S. household expenditures for natural gas, heating oil, electricity, and propane will increase this winter (October 1 through March 31) compared with last winter. Based on projections from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), forecast temperatures this winter, measured using heating degree days, are 3% warmer than the previous 10-year average but colder than last winter, which was 15% warmer than the 10-year average nationally. Forecast average household expenditures for heating oil, propane, and natural gas are 38%, 26%, and 22% higher than last winter, respectively, because of higher expected heating demand and higher fuel prices. However, expenditures for heating oil and propane this winter are forecast to be 32% and 18% lower, respectively, than in average of the five winters prior to last winter. Natural gas expenditures this winter are forecast to be similar to expenditures in the five […]