A warning in advance of the winter heating season from the agency that tracks the prices of fuel. Department of Natural Resources energy analyst Jennifer Moehlman says warnings about high propane prices are proving accurate. She says it’s “pretty sure” you’ll pay more this winter, and though it’s not clear how much, she says propane’s at 93-cents right now, the highest it’s ever been in July. That’s fifteen cents higher than the price was a year ago. Prices aren’t expected to go down and consumers should take advantage of “summer fill” programs to fill their tanks and make energy-saving improvements now before heating season starts. Moehlman says you’d better assume you’re going to be paying more this year for every gallon of propane you use. Consumers won’t beat the increase by switching to a different kind of energy, as Moehlman says every kind of winter heating fuel is going to cost more this year. She says natural gas, propane and heating oil are all going to be higher this winter. The best thing people can do is build new homes sited for catching the sun’s heat in winter and best shade in summer, and passive solar “thermal heating technology” is good for heating water but also space in the house as well.
