For Massachusetts households that depend on heating oil, the home heating season is shaping up to be costly. The state's average delivered heating oil price has reached its highest level in five years, adding fresh pressure to already strained budgets.

Here's what to know

New England is expected to absorb the biggest impact from the rise in heating costs. The region has long winters, many homes still rely on heating oil, and electricity prices are often high.

WCVB reported that a state survey found Massachusetts' average delivered heating oil price was $5.98 per gallon, a $0.62 increase from an Aug. 24 survey. Average propane prices also ticked up to $3.59.

From mid-November to mid-March, the average U.S. household is projected to spend $1,030 on heating, an increase of $82, while the Northeast average is expected to reach $1,449. Among fuel types, the National Energy Assistance Directors Association forecasts the largest jump for heating oil customers at 31.3%, followed by electricity at 9%, propane at 8.7%, and natural gas at 8.6%. 

"People are going to feel the pain and going to strain their pocketbooks," Mike Ferrante of the Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association told WCVB.

More background

Even if El Niño brings a mild winter to much of the country, higher fuel costs could wipe out much of the savings that the weather might otherwise provide. Ferrante noted that the concern is not limited to oil-heated homes. "A lot of angst about home heating oil, but electricity and natural gas are going to be affected as well," he said, per WCVB.

Inflation, the wars in Ukraine and Iran, and Houthi strikes on Saudi oil infrastructure are affecting energy markets globally, which shows heating bills can climb even when nothing about a home has changed.

What can be done?

One of the best ways to protect against rising home heating costs is by upgrading a heating and cooling system. More efficient HVAC systems and heat pumps can reduce the amount of energy a home needs, softening the blow of fuel spikes while lowering monthly utility bills.

For households that use heating oil, Ferrante said it is vital to make a plan with the supplier on how bills will be handled. "The most important thing is to continue to work with your heating oil supplier. Get on a budget if you are not already on one, and work with them to balance out those payments," he told WCVB.

If you're exploring upgrades but aren't ready to spend up front, Palmetto's Comfort Plan can help you find efficient heating and cooling solutions for your home and connect you with vetted installers.

You can also pair solar panels with an efficient HVAC system to drive your utility costs even lower. EnergySage makes it easy to find the best solar system and installer for your home and budget.

Where can I learn more?

The issue reaches beyond the heating season. It also connects to fights over gas infrastructure, growing electricity demand, and the health toll tied to fossil fuels.

• In Massachusetts, utilities poured $100 million into gas lines after 10 communities rejected new fossil-fuel hookups.

• Across the U.S., AI-driven electricity demand is pushing household power bills higher alongside heating costs.

• New evidence shows oil and gas pollution is worsening asthma and driving premature deaths.

For families getting set to manage another expensive winter, heating bills, pressure on the power grid, and continued reliance on fossil fuels are increasingly colliding in the same affordability squeeze.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.