Officials at the Public Service Commission have been issuing a warning about winter heating bills, now they plan to take that warning on the road. All indications point to higher natural gas prices this winter, a warning the PSC has been issuing for months, attempting to prepare the public ahead of time. The PSC is so concerned about the situation that it is taking the unprecedented step of holding public hearings throughout the state on the issue. Between 15 and 16 town hall meetings will be held in 11 cities over a four week period. PSC officials will explain the factors leading to higher energy prices this winter and attempt to predict what impact that will have on consumers. Officials with the Department of Natural Resources will also be on hand to discuss ways to cope, including methods of conservation and weatherization to cut down on heating bills. The PSC expects winter heating bills to be the highest since the winter of 2000-2001.
