Cozy Weather and Winter Heating: Your Top Questions Answered
Fall is officially here. Cozy vibes have settled in as folks are getting ready for football games, turning leaves and Thanksgiving. And you know what all of this cold weather fun means – it’s time to turn on the home heating. As you’re preparing for winter, we’re answering your top questions about heating your home with natural gas.
If you want the full breakdown, check out the recent AGA Winter Heating Outlook.
- How much are natural gas customers expected to spend on heating this winter?
- Natural gas customers are projected to spend 14% less on space heating this winter than they did last year.
- Why are natural gas heating costs expected to be lower this winter?
- Strong natural gas production and storage are supporting lower prices. The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects record dry natural gas production averaging 111.7 billion cubic feet per day in 2026, while natural gas storage is on track for its highest pre-winter level since 2016.
- How much does it cost to heat a home with natural gas compared with electricity?
- AGA’s analysis projects average November-to-March space heating expenditures of approximately $497 for natural gas, compared with $794 for electricity, after adjusting for climate and heating conditions.
- Is electricity more expensive than natural gas for home heating?
- Yes, on an energy-equivalent basis, electricity is expected to cost approximately 4.2 times more than natural gas for space heating. Electricity costs are expected to rise 2.6% from last winter, while the cost of heating oil is increasing 30%.
- Are households using less natural gas to heat their homes?
- Yes. Energy efficiency programs, better insulated buildings and more efficient appliances have contributed to declining winter natural gas consumption per customer. Since 2017, average natural gas use for winter heating has declined by approximately 1.5% annually.
- How do natural gas utilities prepare for winter weather?
- Natural gas utilities prepare throughout the year to meet demand on the coldest and warmest days. Diverse supply portfolios, storage, price-management strategies and continued infrastructure investment help utilities manage changing demand and prepare for periods of extreme weather.
- How do natural gas utilities help provide reliable energy during winter?
- Utilities use supply diversity, natural gas storage, price-management strategies and infrastructure investment to help provide customers with reliable energy while managing the cost of heating homes and businesses throughout the winter.
Cold weather is coming, but natural gas customers have plenty of reasons to feel good about the winter ahead. Affordable heating, strong supplies and increasingly efficient homes are helping customers get more from the energy they use. Now all that’s left to do is turn up the heat and enjoy the cozy season.