Winter home heating bills expected to go up

(CNN)– Some households may want to keep extra blankets and sweaters close at hand.   

The cost of keeping a house warm this season is expected to increase to $976, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.

That’s nearly an 8% hike from last year and it comes from increases in natural gas and electricity prices.

A report from the Center for American Progress says dozens of gas and electric utility companies have either already raised or are planning to raise rates this year or next year.

Funding for federal assistance for utility bills has remained static at $4 million over the past two-years.