The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts that the cost of electric heating for American households this winter will increase and be more expensive than heating with natural gas or fuel oil. At the same time, the overall price of electricity is expected to increase by about 5% per kilowatt-hour.
According to the “2025-26 Winter Fuel Outlook Report” released by the US Energy Information Administration earlier this month, temperatures this winter are expected to be similar to last year, and households’ energy usage is projected to be roughly the same. The expected cost changes are mainly influenced by energy prices, with residential electricity prices in the US expected to be higher than the same period last year, while natural gas prices are expected to remain relatively stable, and propane and fuel oil prices are lower.
The report forecasts that the average heating cost for US households relying on electric heating from November 2025 to March 2026 will increase by 4%, reaching $1,133.
The report indicates that electricity prices will vary by region. In particular, the Northeast region will have the highest electricity prices in the US, with an additional payment of more than 24 cents per kilowatt-hour, and it is expected that heating costs for households in that region this winter will rise to $1,519.
In contrast, electricity costs in the Southern region are relatively lower, with electricity prices ranging from approximately 14.68 to 15.54 cents per kilowatt-hour, and households in that region are expected to incur heating costs of around $1,031 during the same period.
Citing data from the US Census Bureau, the US Energy Information Administration states that approximately 43% of households in the US currently use electric heating.
The agency notes that households using alternative forms of energy for heating may have relatively lower heating expenses this winter.
The report highlights that natural gas prices are only expected to increase by 1% to 3% this winter, and consumers’ actual heating expenses are projected to rise by no more than 2%, with overall expenditures expected to be similar to last winter.
Furthermore, due to the anticipated decrease in propane and fuel oil prices, households using these two energy sources for heating will see reduced winter expenses compared to last year.
Natural gas is the primary source of household heating in the US, with approximately 46% of households using it as their main heating fuel; propane accounts for about 5%; and fuel oil accounts for around 3%.
The report mentions that if temperatures this winter are colder or warmer than in previous years, heating expenses may vary. However, regardless of weather conditions, households using electric heating are expected to spend more than they did last winter.
People can take energy-saving measures, such as adjusting thermostat settings, using energy-efficient equipment, and improving home insulation, to lower heating costs.
(This article was based on a report by the Congressional Hill newspaper)