Utility bills increasing. How to save on heating costs in New England.

Even if temperatures dip into the 30s on some nights, a record number of New Englanders could falter to turn on the heat due to rising energy costs plaguing the region this coming winter.

The National Energy Assistance Directors Association said US households could pay 17% more to heat their homes this winter — $22 billion more in heating bills this winter than in the 2021-2022 season. In New England, an area of ​​the country largely dependent on imported natural gas, those costs are expected to be even higher.

According to the association, natural gas for heating is expected to increase by 34% on average for households nationwide. The cost of heating oil could increase by up to 13% and propane by up to 15%.

More:How expensive will it be to heat your home in New England this year? Here’s what we know

Last month, the New England energy sector convened in Burlington, Vermont, for a forum hosted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission about the spin cycle the region finds itself in each winter — looming power outages during prolonged cold spells coupled with soaring bills.

Here are ways New Englanders can try to save a few dollars on heating bills this winter, as well as energy efficiency programs offered by utility companies.