GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Utility bills could be increasing heading into this winter due to the higher costs of natural gas. The price increase is partially due to the war in Ukraine.
The average Wisconsin Public Service customer spent $120 each month to heat their home last winter. This year, it could be even higher.
“We’ve seen a real spike since the invasion of Russia into Ukraine, and what a lot of European countries are doing is using less or shutting off natural gas from Russia, who is a really big supplier in Europe,” says WPS spokesperson Brendan Conway.
Conway tells FOX 11 this will most likely have an impact on heating bills in Wisconsin for the winter months.
“Could it be higher than last year? It’s certainly possible; we would expect it would be,” says Conway.
He says there are things we can do now to prepare for this winter.
“First of all, as the summer winds down, now is a great time to walk around your house, seal any cracks you may have. It might seem early — I know it’s sunny and it’s warm today but get on your HVAC list to get your furnace checked.”
Financial officials say there are programs in place to help maintain your monthly expenses.
“Another good opportunity with utility companies are budget billing programs. Both We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service, they offer these. Basically, they average out your bills every month so you don’t have spikes in the winter,” says Catholic Charities Financial Health Services Manager.
Krauss tells FOX 11 figuring out your budget now will help you prepare for added expenses this winter.
“It’s good to look at things now and always have savings every single month. We always say 10%. You should be saving 10% of your income for emergencies.”
Conway says the weather could also change the price of natural gas.
“If it’s a really cold winter across this country, natural gas prices go up. If it’s a more mild winter, if it starts out mild, prices go down.”
WPS comes out with their official heating forecast for the winter months in October.
