News briefing · Published
Heating bills this winter: who pays more and how to stay warm
How much will winter heating bills change in 2026?
The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects heating oil spending to rise 21% this winter, and homes that mainly use natural gas to see spending fall 9%. Electrically heated homes are expected to see bills up 4%. Sealing drafts, layering warm bedding and planning safe backup heat can help a household stay warm.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released its 2026-27 Winter Fuels Outlook on October 6, 2026, and expects bills to move in different directions depending on how a home is heated.
What happened
EIA expects heating oil spending to climb 21% from last winter, averaging $2,115 from November to March. Homes that mainly heat with natural gas should see spending fall 9%, and propane homes about 3%.
EIA also expects homes that mainly heat with electricity, more than 40 percent of U.S. homes, to see higher bills, with a 3% rise in residential electricity prices and slightly higher use lifting bills about 4%.
What it means for your home
Your heating type decides how much your bill changes. Warmth that does not depend on the grid matters most when the power goes out.
What to do this week
- Find where your home loses heat, such as doors, windows and attic hatches.
- Seal drafts with weatherstripping or a door draft stopper.
- Set out wool blankets and cold-rated sleeping bags where the family sleeps.
- Choose one room that can stay warm if the power fails, and plan how to heat it safely.
- Never use a gas oven, grill or generator indoors to heat a home.
For a full plan for staying warm, read How to stay warm without power.
Sources
This briefing is general information, not medical, legal or electrical advice. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.