Report: Lower Heating Bills this Winter

TUNKHANNOCK -- Millions of people could be saving big bucks this winter on heating bills; that's according to a new report by the U.S. Energy Department.

For people in northeastern and central Pennsylvania, that's good news after a few brutal winters.

Over the last few months, temperatures have been trending above average. Many are hoping that continues into the winter months.

"The last few winters have been pretty brutal, especially last year looking at February in particular," Peg Munley of Carbondale said.

When you have temperatures below zero, which happened the last two years many experience higher heating bills.

"My electric bills in my home is all electric. They have been too, too expensive," Cathy Healey of Archbald said.

So there's good news for those who cringed while looking at heating bills last winter.

According to the U.S. Energy Department, this year heating bills won't be as expensive as last winter.

Lower energy prices and the expected warmer temperatures could drop heating rates as much as 25 percent.

Here is the breakdown:

After hearing the news of potentially lower heating bills, people were excited.

"It would be excellent for all consumers, especially people on fixed incomes. Especially elderly people that are trying to maintain their homes. I think that would be a real good thing," James Burke of Carbondale said.