Outlook for Energy and Water Costs in 2014

摘要

The rising cost of generation fuels, particularly natural gas, contributes to a projected increase in the price of electricity for 2014. For commercial customers, average prices are forecasted to increase by 1.5%. Consumption of electricity in the commercial sector grew by an estimated 0.7% in 2013. Based on weather forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), EIA projects that U.S. winter heating degree days in January 2014 will be approximately 5% higher than in January 2013. However, February degree days (-4.3%) and March (-14%) are projected to be fewer in 2014. That would result in a 3.7% decline in winter heating days over the three-month period compared to the same period a year ago.