With millions of families behind on utility payments and more people seeking heating aid, many could soon see a welcome reprieve: The cost of heating a home with natural gas this winter is projected to decrease, the federal government said.
Heating with electricity is expected to remain relatively stable but the cost of heating oil, which is relied on by residents in the nation’s Northeast corner, will likely rise. And chaos in Congress could complicate efforts to obtain more federal funding for heating assistance.
The National Energy Assistance Directors Association applauded the Biden administration for releasing most of the existing $4 billion in heating aid to states on Tuesday — before Congress’ continuing resolution expires on Nov. 15 — at a time when heating aid applications are up by 15% to 20% and 20 million families are behind on payments to utilities.
