Lower heating bills could be on the way.

• Position: YOUR LIFE

Lower fuel prices combined with anticipated milder weather should result in reduced heating bills for U.S. households this winter, according to the Energy Information Administration--and that is welcome news for consumers in these uncertain economic times, suggests the Alliance to Save Energy, Washington, D.C., adding that employing energy-saving measures around the house can reduce heating costs even further, while making homes more comfortable and lowering their carbon footprints.

The 2009-10 Winter Fuels Outlook released by EIA says the average U.S. household's heating bill for the 2009-10 season will be lower than last winter's by $84, or eight percent. The Alliance has projected that the average U.S. household will spend around $2,000 or so for home energy in 2009.

"Heating accounts for 31% of the typical home's energy costs," points out Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance. "So, using energy efficiency measures to lower those heating bills will keep real money in consumers' pockets. Simply tightening up your home and insulating sufficiently to avoid sending precious warm air...