EIA projects mixed winter fuel costs for U.S. households in 2026-27

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects U.S. households primarily heating with natural gas or propane—about half of all households—to spend less on energy expenses this winter compared to last winter. Conversely, households primarily using electricity or heating oil for space heating are expected to spend more, according to the 2026-27 Winter Fuels Outlook released with the October Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO).