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Heating Costs Soar 9.2%: Millions Face Winter Burden

2/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Millions of Americans face rising heating costs this winter amid bitterly cold weather.
Denise Blanco of Riverside, New York, says her heating bills are 40% higher than last year.
Nationally, heating costs are projected to rise 9.2% this winter, affecting one in six households and totaling $23 billion in unpaid bills.
Experts warn these increases could influence politics ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and spur calls for affordable energy.

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Story summary

Millions of Americans face rising heating costs this winter amid bitterly cold weather.
Denise Blanco of Riverside, New York, says her heating bills are 40% higher than last year.
Nationally, heating costs are projected to rise 9.2% this winter, affecting one in six households and totaling $23 billion in unpaid bills.
Experts warn these increases could influence politics ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and spur calls for affordable energy.