If it's this bad now, what will winter bring?

[$hirley$aves~$$]

I can't even begin to imagine if so many people are getting their utilities cut off now, what it will be like this winter!

http://www.usatoday.com/money/indust...sconnect_N.htm

[freebs]

one thing about it i think that most utility companies cannot shut off during the winter months.
I think more and more are going to have to start living with oil lamps and ice in coolers

[FrugalMomof3]

It is a shame, we are on the budget plan and weirdly enough our budget amount keeps going up. I am so worried about the price increase of 30% in the next year or so.

[baxjul]

Ours keep going up too. I'm starting to worry about it.

[frugalfoster]

Yeah, my cabin monthly payment went from $60 to $110. It was a really cold year here last year. I hope this next one is not as bad, then maybe what they budgeted me for, will take care of it. My house in town is heated by natural gas. That one scares me to death!!!

[blitzen]

We are looking to switch from oil to gas furnace at the end of summer--I'm not thrilled with all these price increases--there doesn't seem to be an economical way to heat my house and we *need* a new furnace!

[Luv2BeFrugal]

Interesting article...and sad... I wonder how things will go come winter?

I know the increase in food and gas is really starting to hurt us. We cut back our cell phone plan (shared minutes...no land line) to the bare minimum. It's saved a bit. I think we're going to have to start riding our bikes as much as possible...gas is just so much money, anymore. Not sure how to cut much more on utilities...our elec/gas are fixed (part of rent)...which yes, has gone up a bit (evidently we don't use a terribly large amount cause it hasn't gone up a TON). Thank goodness!

[mamamia]

Our very last electric bill was $249. But that's because we're running the central AC 24/7. So I'm just the opposite of most of you 'cause I can't wait for winter. Here in FL it's usually that the temps are "just right", which means we'll hardly turn on the AC or heat. Even when I do turn on the heat, It's only for about an hour to take the chill outta the house. With keeping the windows closed, it means it'll stay warm enough for us.

But I come from NY and it seemed like I was always filling that oil tank. So for those of you's in cold weather states, you certainly have my sympathy. But maybe it'll be a mild winter. Guess all's we can do is hope for the best.

I remember when we'd get black-outs from snow-storms. This was a fairly regular occurence, especially when we moved to Long Island. Those kerosene lamps and candles we used not only provided light, but also helped to provide some heat. So instead of thinking how we might've done in the 1930's, maybe we should all take a test for the 1870's....lol!

But on a serious note, I really hope we'll find ways to manage thru all this! Coming to FV will certainly help for ideas.

Theresa

[suebeehoney]

Our plan for the coming winter:

Our house, which we just moved into in January of this year, is an old stone house which has been added on to. The original part of the house is 100 years old this year. It has been insulated with blown-in insulation, but last winter, our bills topped out at $300-$400 a month for gas only. We obviously can't do that again this year. I spent all winter making payment arrangements with the gas company to keep the gas on.

To maintain heat in the house at minimal cost, this year, we are:

-putting plastic over ALL windows, including the french doors in the kitchen that lead to the deck.

-purchasing 2 small ceramic space heaters to supplement the furnace so we can keep it turned down as much as possible.

-during extreme cold snaps, we're considering having everyone sleep downstairs and sealing off the upstairs to keep more heat downstairs instead of heating the whole house.

-one word....SWEATSHIRTS!

[IntlMom]

frightening....just plain scary!

[freebs]

I think that i will buy me some cheap oil lamps and start using them as they use little oil per day. I know we are 1 income and we have to cut corners everywhere!

[Bournecrazy]

i would started saving for the winter fuel now, save enough to either pay it all in one go or check last years bill and save that amount plus a bit extra that way if you need to have the extra heat/gas/oil then you know you have the $$$ for it.

stock up on jumpers/ joggers/ hot water bottles or anything that can help frugally with keeping the costs down

[Susanscraps]

Yep, we will need to start saving NOW for the gas bills this winter. My DH is a landscaper, and is laid off or plowing snow in the winter. So, this is his most profitable season...need to save now!

[sdrjeolsen]

frightening....just plain scary!

"Duke Energy in North Carolina is averaging about 11,000 shutoffs a month" how sad. I'm shocked at the numbers. I saw a story on the news that many utilities are getting set to up rates. PSO in Tulsa (where we moved from) is raising rates 25% in July. It will only get worse if they do.

[yankeegal]

This winter is going to be scary if the prices continue to rise as they have been.
My DH is a fireman and is dreading all of the "homemade" heating solutions that people will be coming up with in order to stay warm.
Pray for a mild winter!