Higher Heating Costs May Leave Residents Out In The Cold

Bruce Young delivers heating oil to homes all over the Triangle. He has been a busy man since the cold spell settled in.

"The phones started ringing frantically, and everyone wants some fuel oil for heat," Young says.

Young's customers may be happy to see him, but they are not thrilled when they get the bill. The Purut family are getting by on one income while Chelley stays home with her daughter. They will pay 40 percent more for heating oil this winter.

"I knew it was expensive because I've been calling around, looking around for it," she says. "It's definitely much higher than last year. I paid $1 for it last time, and it's $1.39 now."

Utility companies say they are not profiting from the higher rates. There is not as much heating oil this year. If you think prices are high now, just wait a few months because they are likely to go up again.

Keith Poston, CP&L spokesman, says companies are paying a lot more for natural gas this year. As a result, he says it is costing customers more.

"Normally,North Carolina Natural Gashas to adjust the price of natural gas we charge our customers once a year," he says. "We've raised it five times this year, and we're looking at requesting a couple more increases this winter."

Heating oil prices should not hurt as much next winter. More natural gas is being produced, so there should be a larger supply next year.