Nicor Unleashes Painful News, Says Gas Prices in Illinois Will Be Higher This Winter

Hold on to that extra spending money, you may need it for other things.

Money is already tight around this time of the year but it could get a whole lot tighter, especially if Illinois gets the expected brutal winter weather.

A new report shared what should be expected for Nicor customers in Illinois. Residents should be prepared for a substantial increase in their gas utility bill compared to last year.

Nicor and another natural gas delivery company have flat-out warned Illinoisans, "turn up the thermostat and be prepared to pay up."

"WHY?!?!?!?"

Last year Nicor customers paid $455 on average for natural gas, this year it's expected to be closer to $674 during the same time period. Why? Inflation.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, inflation on natural gas and other fuels will come at a cost to homeowners, with some seeing their heating bills increase by as much as 54%.

54% is a lot. That is a significant increase to say the least.

WAYS TO SAVE ON NATURAL GAS

Nicor lists ways to save when it comes to heating your home. Ironically, their tips involve pending money on new energy-efficient appliances or paying a contractor to work on insulating your home.

Here are a few other suggestions.

Drop the temp just a little and dress for the weather, warm and cozy. Blankets help too.

Maintain humidity in your home. Your skin thinks it's colder when it's super dry.

Try not to use your fireplace, most of the heat escapes through the chimney and it could cause cold air to sneak in through cracks and gaps.

Also, seal your windows from the inside.

You can read more tips here.