Lakes Area Residents Should Prepare for Higher Heating Bills this Winter

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM) – Lakes Area residents should plan for higher heating bills this winter.

Over the winter months natural gas customers could end up paying on average an additional $185 for their heating expenses.

To keep costs down, homeowners are encouraged to let more sunlight in during the day, while closing blinds and drapes at night. AARP’s Josh Askvig says the price surge adds to many other cost-of-living headaches Lakes Area residents are juggling right now. “Utility rates are an essential pocketbook issue, especially those 50-plus. And so, when you have a projected price increase that is about 50% higher than last year across the country, the winter heating season is going to be a challenge.”

Utility officials warn there’s still a lot of price volatility for the commodity. Throughout November, AARP will host four Facebook live events to better explain the situation and options for customers.