The average heating cost for a U.S. household is forecasted to see a double-digit increase this winter, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) in its October winter fuels outlook (pdf). Retail energy prices are expected to approach “multiyear highs” due to supply-demand changes following the pandemic as well as a colder winter ahead. Propane costs are forecasted to rise by 54 percent, heating oil costs to rise by 43 percent, natural gas costs to rise by 30 percent, and electricity costs to rise by 6 percent. With natural gas consumption projected to rise by 3 percent this winter, households are expected to spend $746 this winter, up from $573 last winter. The increase in natural gas heating costs varies by region with the Midwest U.S. leading the price hike at a 45 percent increase from last winter, and the Northeast expecting a hike of 14 percent. Nearly half …