The trend in home heating costs is headed upward. Charlie Higley with Wisconsin's Citizens Utility Board says most utility customers in Wisconsin have already seen rate increases, or will soon, including a whopping 14% increase to customers of Xcel Energy in the western part of the state. Higley says rate increases are driven by the utilities costs to erect new generating plants and distribution lines. Costs for other home heating sources, such as propane and heating oil, are also headed up, although Higley says natural gas customers may fare well this winter heating season, with a significant cost increase unlikely, as long as it doesn't get too cold.
