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Mich. Home Heating Costs May Be Flat, Up Slightly

Home heating costs this winter are expected to be about the same or slightly higher than last year for many Michigan households as demand increases but prices stay relatively stable.

The Michigan Public Service Commission issued its winter energy appraisal Monday. It's based on a return to normal winter weather.

It predicts residential natural gas prices will be 4 percent lower than last year. But home heating oil prices were up about 7 percent in late October from a year ago, which could signal increased heating bills.

Higher propane prices are expected to mean winter fuel costs about 4 percent higher than last year.

Supplies of electricity, natural gas, propane, gasoline and diesel fuel are expected to be more than adequate.
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Michigan Energy Appraisal: http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/mpsc/reports/energy
  
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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