U.S. energy experts predict that households using natural gas or propane will spend less on energy expenses this winter than last winter. However, homes that primarily use electricity or heating oil for space heating are expected to spend more, according to new data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Natural gas is the most widely used space heating fuel in the U.S., and experts predict lower natural gas prices and similar or warmer temperatures in the South will push expenditures lower, according to the 2026–27 Winter Fuels Outlook. 

For the more than 40% of homes that heat mainly with electricity, experts expect a 3% increase in residential electricity prices. Slightly higher consumption will lead to a 4% overall increase in electricity bills. 

The Consumer Price Index released its latest data this week showing the natural gas index increased 5% over the 12 months ending in September, and the electricity index rose 4.4%.

How to get help with heating bills

No matter how you heat your home, financial help is available for North Carolina homeowners and renters who meet certain requirements. 

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally-funded program that provides a one-time payment of $300 to $600 for heating bills from December through March. The program helps more than 130,000 households in North Carolina each year. Payments are made directly to the electric, natural gas and fuel oil providers, not to the applicants. 

To qualify, households with either a person age 60 or older or a disabled person receiving services through the N.C. Division of Aging and Adult Services can sign up Dec. 1-31. All other households can apply from Jan. 1 – March 31, or until funds are exhausted.

Households that meet the following criteria may be eligible:

To apply, contact your local Department of Social Services. Applications can also be submitted through North Carolina ePASS at epass.nc.gov.

How to get emergency heating assistance

People experiencing a crisis who cannot heat their homes can apply for assistance through the federal Crisis Intervention Program (CIP). Applicants can complete a CIP application by mail, email or drop-off at their local DSS. 

Face-to-face interviews and disconnection notices are not required. Applicants can present a final notice or past due utility bill and must have a health-related or life-threatening emergency to potentially be eligible for crisis funds. 

A household is considered to be in a crisis if it is experiencing or is in danger of experiencing a life-threatening or health-related emergency and sufficient, timely and appropriate assistance is not available from any other source, according to CIP.

Life-threatening is defined as a household that has no heating source or has a disconnect notice for their primary heating service and the health or well-being of a household member would be in danger if the heating crisis was not alleviated. 

Each household will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and must meet the following criteria:

  • Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria
  • Meet the income test and earn no more than 150% of the federal poverty level
  • Have an energy-related crisis
  • Have a utility statement that shows how much is owed to alleviate the crisis
  • Have to meet the resource limit — resource limit for households with a member aged 60 or older or disabled are at or below $4,500, while all other households areat or below $3,000

Energy companies offer assistance

Some companies also offer assistance. Additional heating or energy assistance programs include:

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