Home Heating Prices Rise 5.5%
By: Caroline Tucker
Updated: September 25, 2012
The weather may have been in the 70's on Tuesday but the weather will dip into the teens or single digits in short time.
Some are bracing for what could be an expensive winter.
If you use natural gas or propane - you'll see your bills go down.
But oil prices are rising
As of last week - the average in Western New York was $3.83/gallon.
One year ago, it was $3.93/gallon, according to a NYSERDA report released September 17.
Homeowners say buying more oil at once can save money.
But a 200 gallon tank at today's prices will cost more than $760.
"It means I have to make decisions to get a full tank of oil or not and if I don't I have to somewhat suffer," said Barbara Ledet Stephens, who said she has to catch up on bills during the winter months
Homeowners say they can go through a tank several times in one winter.
Barbara Ledet Stephens lives in the 19th Ward.
She said she is already planning how to save on costs.
"When I have bad winters I use space heaters, close my bedroom doors," said Stephens.
If you need help, you can apply for money through the Home Energy Assistance Program.
Applications will be accepted in mid-November.
In Monroe County, you can call 753-6477 for more information.
