EIA released its winter heating forecast today. EIA is projecting a 13% increase in the cost of home heating for those using natural gas, 9% for propane and 2% for electricity. For those using heating oil, EIA is projecting a 2% decline. (See EIA Short-Term Energy and Winter Fuels Outlook slideshow). This is of considerable concern in light of a potential 5 to 8% sequester cut. EIA generally releases a more detailed report as well showing detailed prices by region. That would suggest that the average cost of home heating could exceed $1000 this coming winter heating season. It truly a double whammy of a reduction in purchasing along with potential cut in the appropriation.