Natural gas prices are projected to remain much higher than previous years, meaning Minnesota residents are set to pay hundreds of extra dollars to heat their homes this winter.
The Center of the American Experiment used data compiled by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) to estimate that Minnesotans could pay $385 more on their heating bills this year compared to last year.
The price of natural gas has shot up since early 2022 and is significantly more expensive than it was two years ago. Although the projected data shows natural gas prices could slightly decline in late 2022, prices are likely to remain elevated compared to previous years, and increased demand due to the winter cold will still mean higher heating bills.
American Experiment policy fellow Isaac Orr noted that the increase in heating costs adds another financial burden onto Minnesotans already feeling the weight of inflation on groceries and gasoline.
“Unfortunately, policies enacted by the Biden administration have constricted the ability of natural gas drillers to increase the supply of this vital fuel on the market and this has resulted in higher prices for Minnesota families and businesses,” Orr wrote.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has come under fire for his proposed energy policies as well. Republicans have criticized his support for net-zero emissions and 100% carbon-free electricity, both rooted in Democratic concerns about climate change. Opponents of Walz’s proposals see them as highly expensive endeavors that will only weaken the reliability of the energy grid.
In a June statement, Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman David Hann accused Walz of acting in lockstep with President Joe Biden’s “war on American energy.”
“Their disastrous policies are making life more difficult for consumers,” he said. “From rising gas prices and inflation to coming energy supply shortages, Joe Biden, Tim Walz, and the Democrats are doing everything they can to destroy American energy and make life more difficult for families and businesses.”
Evan Stambaugh
Evan Stambaugh is a freelance writer who had previously been a sports blogger. He has a BA in theology and an MA in philosophy.
