Feds predict lower winter heating bills

Federal energy analysts are projecting lower heating bills for Americans this winter. 

The Energy Information Administration said Tuesday that a warmer winter and low energy prices will bring heating bills down for Americans, no matter their heating source, between October and March. 

{mosads}Homes using natural gas will see an average $64 decline, or 10 percent, over last winter, according to the EIA. Homes using propane ($322 less), heating oil ($459 less) and electricity ($30 less) are also expected to see lower heating bills this year. 

EIA said the likely price declines are due to a more mild winter and lower fuel prices. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a winter between 8 and 13 percent warmer than last year for most of the country, except in the western U.S., where this winter is likely to be colder than last year.

Fuel prices are falling as well. Nearly half of U.S. homes use natural gas as their primary heating fuel, according to the EIA, and the agency predicts prices will fall by 4 percent over last year. 

Electric heating (39 percent) is the second-most popular heating fuel, and prices are expected to decline by 1 percent over last winter. 

Heating oil and propane — especially popular in the Northeast and the Midwest, respectively — have much more volatile price trends year-over-year. Both are projected to see prices decline by more than 10 percent, according to EIA.