Winter brings jump in utilities

We paid at the pump this summer. We will pay through utility bills this winter. The state energy division’s Anita Randolph says a big jump in crude oil prices led to the skyrocketing gas prices this summer and will contribute to much higher heating bills this winter. Randolph says while state officials tried to warn people about the price jumps earlier in the year, they seem more willing to listen now. The U.S. Energy Department estimates Midwest homeowners will pay $200 more to their utility companies this winter than last winter.