Utilities Warn of High Heating Costs

If you’ve given any thought to adding insulation to your house, Indiana utilities say now is the time to do it. NIPSCO and other energy suppliers say natural gas and fuel oil will cost considerably more this winter than last year. NIPSCO says even though it’s only August, wholesale natural gas prices are already at record highs. Most homes here in the Midwest are heated with natural gas. The Energy Information Administration estimates that by January, natural gas could cost about 30 percent more than it does now. Fewer Hoosiers heat their homes with fuel oil, but with crude oil trading at record prices this week, those homeowners can expect painful heating bills as well.