Sticker Shock Part II

Well you've cut down on your driving now it's time to get out the sweaters and down comforters.
Winter Heating Bills Set To Soar

Consumers nationwide are expected to spend 34 percent more for heating oil this winter than last, 52 percent more for natural gas, 16 percent more for coal and 11 percent more for electricity, according to the preliminary winter fuel projection by the government's Energy Information Administration. The heaviest burden should fall on natural gas customers in the Midwest, the EIA predicts, with costs 71 percent higher than last winter.

It looks like that new 96% efficiency gas furnace I just had installed may have a shorter pay back time than I'd thought.

The higher fuel prices pose a severe threat to low-income households from the Midwest to the Northeast, said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association. "A few years ago, you could heat a home for $500. Now it takes $1,500," said Wolfe, whose association represents state residential heating assistance programs. "Energy has become a lot less affordable for low-income families," and they will face painful spending choices this winter, he said.

This will mean a big hit on the economy; sell your Wal-Mart stock.