Average US heating bills to rise 7% this winter nationwide – report

Nearly 5m households relying on heating oil could see 70% increases, as advocates call on Congress to provide relief

Americans are likely to face higher heating bills this winter amid a growing affordability crisis, with costs projected to climb more than 7% nationwide and some households facing increases of up to 70%, according to a new report.

The National Energy Assistance Directors Association (Neada), which represents state officials seeking federal funding, warns that disruptions stemming from the war with Iran are pushing heating costs higher as millions of families already struggle to pay utility bills.